See Princess Charlene's style evolution in 32 photos: swimming star to belle of the ball

Princess Charlene has evolved from an athlete, most commonly seen in tracksuits and fresh from laps in the pool, to the belle of the ball at Monte Carlo's many gala events.

Born Charlene Wittstock, the former Olympian, 43, married Prince Albert II of Monaco in 2011. Since first stepping out with the royal in 2006, she has become known for her glittering wardrobe of red carpet looks.

Dior, Akris, Ralph Lauren and Armani are among her favourite designers, with Armani creating the dress for her 2011 wedding.

In December 2020, Princess Charlene hit headlines with her half-hawk haircut, which she debuted at Monaco's annual Christmas gift-giving ceremony.

In January she told Point de Vue the haircut was her decision.

"I wanted it for a long time. The style pleases me. That’s all," she said. Her twin children, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, 7, like her hair, she said, "after the initial surprise wore off".

"Certainly, of all the members of royal families, I’m probably the one who has tried the most different hairstyles, and I’ll continue," said Princess Charlene. "That’s my choice. What counts is that Jacques and Gabriella adore seeing their mother with her new style."

Princess Charlene has recently been treated for physical and emotional exhaustion.

Prince Albert II told People she was in a treatment centre "outside of Monaco" after spending six months in South Africa this year. He said his wife “was clearly exhausted, physically and emotionally. She was overwhelmed and couldn’t face official duties, life in general or even family life.”

In March, she finally returned to Monaco, in time for Prince Albert's 45th birthday celebrations on Tuesday. This week, she posed for a family portrait with Prince Albert and their children.

In the photo bt Eric Mathon, which was shared on the Palais Princier de Monaco Instagram, Princess Charlene is wearing a cream silk dress by Celine, which has a floral print.

A version of this article was originally published in November 2021