Princess Charlene softens ‘sharp’ Max Mara suit with girly balletic hair

Princess Charlene has kept a relatively low profile so far in 2026, stepping out for public engagements on only a handful of occasions. 

However, on 17 March, she proved that a well-tailored suit never misses as she stepped out with her husband, Prince Albert, for the Monaco Red Cross first aid diploma ceremony. The princess, 48, rocked Max Mara’s ‘Ciro’ trousers in the shade ‘Hazelnut’, as identified by Royal Fashion Police on Instagram, which came in a cigarette cut. 

Princess Charlene’s tailored look

They were styled with the brand’s matching double-breasted blazer, and to truly embrace a workwear aesthetic, a white shirt buttoned up to the collar. The stylish royal added suede heels in the same biscuit hue to keep the look tonal and softened the sharp lines with a girly balletic updo featuring a low bun and curled pieces framing her face. 

It was a look that caught the attention of Angela Kyte, a luxury stylist with a decade of experience in the fashion industry. “Princess Charlene’s latest look is a masterclass in understated power dressing. The double-breasted blazer, with its strong shoulders and clean tailoring, creates a sharp silhouette, while the soft neutral tone keeps the overall feel refined,” she tells us.

“It’s a modern take on suiting that feels both polished and quietly confident, exactly the direction royal style has been moving in.”

What makes Charlene’s suit moment different?

Angela explains that there is one aspect of Charlene’s look that makes it stand out, which is that it reflects a sense of restraint. “The crisp shirt, minimal accessories and softly styled hair allow the structure of the suit to take centre stage, rather than competing with it,” the stylist explains.

“Charlene has always leaned into a more androgynous, tailored aesthetic, and this look reinforces that identity in a way that feels intentional and contemporary.”

Opposites attract

Showing she is a true style chameleon, Charlene opted for the opposite aesthetic while attending the Provale Solidarité charity gala at the Hotel Georges V in Paris on 13 March. Choosing a classic Hollywood look with an abundance of sparkle, the former Olympic swimmer dazzled in a £10,000 Oscar de la Renta gown. 

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Fashion stylist, Leanne Jones, told us shortly after the royal’s appearance: “Charlene’s beautiful navy Oscar de la Renta piece is elevated by jewel-encrusted detailing at the décolletage, which adds a striking touch of glamour and truly lifts the design.

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“There appears to have been some subtle tailoring and editing to the jewel features at the décolletage to really make this piece Charlene’s own, and then of course, the earrings, perfectly reflect the diamond detailing on the dress.”