Why royal family member wearing tiara for first time since 2011 is so significant
Stepping out to attend the Monaco National Day Gala earlier this week, Princess Charlene made sure all eyes were firmly fixed on her.
It wasn't the 47-year-old's spectacular white Armani Privé gown that set tongues wagging, however, nor her striking red lip.
It was her elaborate headpiece - a diamond-embellished tiara that hasn't been seen since 2011 - that stole the show.
The glittering accessory had been crafted by German-French jeweller Lorenz Bäumer all those years ago for a very special occasion, indeed.
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And as such, the significance of her wearing the tiara for her country's annual celebration hasn't gone unnoticed by several onlookers.
For those in need of a reminder, the Monaco National Day Gala - also known as The Sovereign Prince's Day - is held each year on the day of St. Rainier.
This year's celebration is seen as especially special, as it also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Enthronement of Prince Albert II - Charlene's husband of 14 years.
The couple first met in 2000 at the Mare Nostrum swimming meet in Monaco, whilst South Africa-born Charlene was competing as a professional swimmer at the time. After tying the knot 11 years later, they welcomed twins - a daughter, Princess Gabriella, Countess of Carladés, and Jacques, Prince of Monaco.
The royal and his wife were photographed attending the Grimaldi Forum this week for the grand celebration, an exhibition and trade centre in the Western European city-state, along with several fellow leaders.
As we say, the eyes of many onlookers were immediately drawn to Princess Charlene's tiara, which is believed to have been a nod to her 2011 bridal look.
The mother-of-two wore the same headpiece for her and Prince Albert II's lavish nuptials - which were famously attended by Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
It was rumoured at the time that she'd gotten cold feet ahead of the celebration - likely over the scandal that saw Albert admitting to having fathered two children out of wedlock before meeting Charlene. Regardless, the day went ahead.
At the time, Princess Charlene opted to wear the tiara for their evening reception, which features a 'spray' of diamonds across the front, like a 'wave breaking over her head', which Tatler says could have been a nod to her Olympic career as a swimmer.
It had been given to her as a gift from her husband-to-be, and was dubbed the 'Diamond Foam Tiara' by the man who made it.
The headpiece hadn't been seen since their 2011 reception - until this week, when the Princess dug it out for her husband's special anniversary.
It's likely, therefore, that both the dress and tiara are a means of Charlene shutting down any speculation regarding the state of their marriage for once and for all.
Topics: Royal Family, World News
Rhianna Benson