Princess Charlene revives Queen Rania’s iconic white shirt and long skirt look at Formula 1 gala

It was Queen Rania who first introduced this style into the royal fashion world.

Princess Charlene revives Queen Rania’s iconic white shirt and long skirt look at Formula 1 gala© Pascal Le Segretain
Daniel NeiraSenior Writer
JUNE 8, 2026 1:27 PM EDT

The Principality of Monaco was in celebration mode this weekend for one of the most anticipated and prestigious sporting events on its international calendar. 

After the adrenaline, roaring engines, and excitement of the 83rd Formula 1 Grand Prix, sophistication took center stage at the legendary Salle des Étoiles.

Charlene of Monaco chose a crystal-embroidered shirt and flowing black skirt for the traditional post-race gala dinner.© Pascal Le Segretain
Charlene of Monaco chose a crystal-embroidered shirt and flowing black skirt for the traditional post-race gala dinner.

On the evening of June 7, 2026, the traditional and exclusive gala dinner marking the conclusion of the race was held there. As expected, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene served as impeccable hosts, drawing all eyes upon their arrival. 

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - JUNE 07: (EDITOR'S NOTE : NO TABLOIDS WEB & PRINT, NO DAILY MAIL, NO DAILY MAIL GROUP, NO BILD, NO CHI, NO VOICI, NO CLOSER) Princess Charlene of Monaco attend the Gala Of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco on June 07, 2026 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/WireImage)© Pascal Le Segretain
Diamond drop earrings and understated accessories allowed Charlene's embellished blouse to take center stage.

The former Olympic swimmer chose a breathtaking look that immediately recalled one of the most iconic moments in royal fashion history. A moment that took place at the wedding of King Felipe and Queen Letizia more than two decades ago.

Charlene of Monaco takes inspiration from Queen Rania:

While such glamorous evening events are usually associated with voluminous haute couture gowns, flowing tulle, and dramatic silhouettes, Charlene broke with convention and embraced the timeless elegance of a black-and-white ensemble.

Charlene elevated a classic wardrobe staple with a jeweled Dolce & Gabbana design worthy of the red carpet.© Pascal Le Segretain
Charlene elevated a classic wardrobe staple with a jeweled Dolce & Gabbana design worthy of the red carpet.

Her highly praised choice demonstrated that simplicity, when executed masterfully, can be the perfect formula for occasions of this caliber. 

For the special evening on the French Riviera, the Monegasque princess wore an exquisite white cotton shirt by Dolce & Gabbana, adorned with jeweled embroidery that completely reimagined the classic wardrobe staple.

Prince Albert II of Monaco, Race winner Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Toto Wolff and Susie Wolff MBE attends the Gala Of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco© Pascal Le Segretain
Prince Albert II of Monaco, Race winner Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Toto Wolff and Susie Wolff MBE attends the Gala Of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco

The tuxedo-inspired design featured a fully embellished bib-front panel covered in crystals and silver beading, providing the sparkle and grandeur required for such a gala. 

The classic shirt, elevated by its jewel-like details, was paired with a flowing black floor-length skirt, creating a flawless contrast that elongated her silhouette while conveying understated modernity.

Queen Rania of Jordan made fashion history at the wedding of Felipe and Letizia in 2004 with her now-famous white blouse and long skirt combination.© Tim Graham
Queen Rania of Jordan made fashion history at the wedding of Felipe and Letizia in 2004 with her now-famous white blouse and long skirt combination.

A combination also loved by Queen Letizia:

It is fair to say that Charlene, sister-in-law of Princess Caroline of Monaco, scored top marks with this latest interpretation of the white-shirt-and-long-skirt pairing. An unfailing formula embraced by sophisticated women around the world, from Queen Rania of Jordan to legendary designer Carolina Herrera and, of course, Queen Letizia of Spain.

King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain receive the diplomatic corps at The Royal Palace on January 09, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. © Pablo Cuadra
King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain receive the diplomatic corps at The Royal Palace on January 09, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

Charlene completed the look with a dark clutch, black high heels, and discreet teardrop-shaped diamond earrings by Graff, allowing the embellished blouse to remain the focal point.

The look that changed royal fashion:

It was Queen Rania who first introduced this style into the royal fashion world when she attended the wedding of the then-Prince Felipe and Letizia exactly 22 years ago. 

Rania's Givenchy Couture look remains one of the most influential royal wedding guest outfits of the modern era.© Getty Images
Rania's Givenchy Couture look remains one of the most influential royal wedding guest outfits of the modern era.

She wore a white silk blouse with elbow-length sleeves and a long purple skirt layered beneath tulle and lace.

The outfit was custom-made for her by Givenchy Couture and became fashion history. No royal woman had previously dared to wear such a combination at an event of that magnitude.

Jordan's Queen Rania attended the wedding ceremony between King Felipe and Queen Letizia© Pascal Le Segretain
Jordan's Queen Rania attended the wedding ceremony between King Felipe and Queen Letizia

Decades later:

More than two decades later, Queen Letizia continues to take inspiration from the most daring guest at her own wedding.

On January 9, 2025, for example, she chose a classic white blouse with balloon sleeves and fitted cuffs, paired with a long cerulean-blue skirt cinched at the waist with a highly flattering waistband. 

An unfailing formula embraced by sophisticated women around the world, from Queen Rania of Jordan to legendary designer Carolina Herrera and, of course, Queen Letizia of Spain.© Pablo Cuadra
An unfailing formula embraced by sophisticated women around the world, from Queen Rania of Jordan to legendary designer Carolina Herrera and, of course, Queen Letizia of Spain.

For footwear, she appeared to wear pointed navy-blue pumps by Carolina Herrera, another subtle tribute to the women who inspired the look.

Since that day in May 2004, when Queen Rania changed the rules for royal fashion, Letizia has recreated this combination on numerous occasions.

Princess Charlene arrives at the Monaco Grand Prix gala in a striking black-and-white ensemble centered around an embellished white shirt.© Pascal Le Segretain
Princess Charlene arrives at the Monaco Grand Prix gala in a striking black-and-white ensemble centered around an embellished white shirt.

Now, in 2026, Charlene of Monaco has become the latest royal to embrace this internationally proven formula and reinterpret it through her own distinctive aesthetic.

By elevating the classic white shirt to gala-wear status through crystal embellishments, she achieves a perfect balance between the formality required by her position in Monaco and the avant-garde spirit that has long defined her personal style.

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