Princess Charlene of Monaco put on an elegant display in a show-stopping gown last night as she made a solo appearance at the Ballon D’Or awards. 

The 47-year-old royal, married to 67-year-old Prince Albert, stole the spotlight at the Theatre du Chatelet during the esteemed football awards ceremony, where she also alluded to her past in sports during her presentation speech.

Charlene looked as flawless as ever in a white backless gown from Elie Saab, opting for the ‘Cady’ dress with an asymmetrical design from behind. 

She graced the red carpet with a touch of royal elegance and posed for photos alongside Clarisse Agbegnenou, basketball star Florent Pietrus, and Franco-Canadian taekwondo champion Marlene Harnois.

Although her husband, Prince Albert, was not in attendance, she mentioned him while presenting the Socrates Award, which honors the Brazilian footballer.

The award, first established in 2022, is given to players or clubs that use football to make the world a better place. 

In a speech given last night, Charlene made a rare reference to her past as an Olympic swimmer for South Africa. 

In her address, the princess stated, ‘Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I am delighted to be here tonight among the greats of football, devoted champions, and enthusiastic fans to present the Sócrates Trophy.’

Princess Charlene of Monaco during the 69th Ballon D’Or France Football 2025

‘In Monaco, sports are highly regarded and the principality has been elected as the World Capital of Sports in 2025. 

‘As former Olympians, the Prince and I understand the significant educational and exemplary role of sports. We believe that by promoting sports, we can help instill values that contribute to the well-rounded growth of young people.’

‘Football is more than an activity in itself. Sports require passion, patience, and commitment.’

The award was given to the Xana Foundation and received by patron Sira Martinez. 

The Xana Foundation, established by PSG coach Luis Enrique, is dedicated to assisting children grappling with severe illnesses, named in memory of his daughter Xana, who passed away in 2019 from bone cancer at nine years old.

Last year, Charlene discussed with Paris-based Gala magazine how she can no longer work out like she used to when she was training to be a medal-winning athlete.

‘I walk, I cycle, I swim too, but not as much as before. When I was young, I trained very hard, I challenged myself physically. These days, it’s all about moderation,’ admitted the royal in the candid interview, according to Hello!.

‘It can be quite difficult because my nature is to want to beat records, win medals and surpass my limits. But, at nearly 47 years old, I can no longer do that… my body won’t let me. My spirit and my heart might, but my body says no,’ added Charlene.

The royal, 47, who is married to Prince Albert, 67, turned heads at the Theatre du Chatelet for the prestigious football awards ceremony

Charlene looked as flawless as ever in a white backless gown from Elie Saab, opting for the ‘Cady’ dress

She made a solo appearance at the awards ceremony and was not joined by her husband Prince Albert

It’s rare for the Princess to offer an update on her physical fitness after she spent much of 2021 and 2022 overcoming a lengthy health crisis, which saw her spend 10 months in South Africa away from her children and check into a private Swiss clinic for treatment for ‘extreme fatigue’, sources told AFP at the time.

Prince Albert’s wife and their children often support the ruler on special royal engagements including Monaco’s National Day.

But there was a time in recent years when Charlene couldn’t perform her royal duties after suffering a lengthy health battle.  

The royal first fell ill in South Africa in May 2021, during what was meant to be a 10-day visit.

Complications from a sinus operation led to her staying in her native country for 10 months, and there have been rumours about the state of her marriage ever since.

There had been claims by leading French media that Albert had signed an ‘ultra-confidential contract’ to pay his wife more than £10million a year to fulfil her royal duties.

She returned to Monaco but was there for a matter of days before reportedly leaving for a Swiss treatment facility. The exact nature of her condition was not made public but Albert said she was ‘exhausted’.

Photographs of their reunion were greeted with a hefty dose of scepticism by the French media.

Prince Albert said he was ‘hurt by the vicious rumours’ peddled about his marriage following his wife’s absence and said that it’s the ‘most beautiful thing’ to have her back with him.

Princess Charlene of Monaco presents the Socrates Award during the 69th Ballon D’Or Ceremony at Theatre Du Chatelet

Florent Pietrus and Princess Charlene of Monaco attend the 69th Ballon D’Or Photocall

The Royal Palace announced in March 2023 that Charlene had returned and would make a gradual reintroduction to public life. She has since regularly made public appearances with her husband and children.

Major French outlets that specialise in celebrity news said Charlene’s sudden re-appearance was welcomed by all Royal watchers.

In December 2022, she told local newspaper Monaco Matin she felt ‘so much better’ than she has in recent years.

Revealing she has ‘less pain and much more energy’, she said she ‘is continuing to recover, to rebalance herself.’

She added: ‘My family and those I love are my rock. I approach the future, step by step, one day at a time.’

Meanwhile Prince Albert has also spoken out in praise of his wife publicly. The royal has said she has ‘turned it around in an incredible way’ after a long-running health battle.

Speaking in December 2022, the royal told People he was ‘really proud of my wife,’ adding: ‘Charlene’s doing really well.’

He continued: ‘As you know, last year was a very tough year for her – and the beginning of this year.’

The award was given to the Xana Foundation and received by patron Sira Martinez

In a speech given last night, Charlene made a rare reference to her past as an Olympic swimmer for South Africa

Last night, PSG forward Ousmane Dembele was crowned the winner of the men’s Ballon d’Or.

He took home the accolade ahead of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal after a stunning season where Luis Enrique’s side did the treble, including winning their first-ever Champions League title.

Dembele, 28, scored 35 goals and got 16 assists in 53 games last season.

The Frenchman was also named Player of the Season in the Champions League.

Meanwhile Yamal, 18, won the Kopa Trophy for Young Player of the Year.

‘It was an exceptional year,’ said Dembele, who was awarded the trophy by Ronaldinho. ‘The collective effort won,’ he added.

Following the Lionesses’ Euro success in the summer, five of the winning England squad were nominated for the women’s award with captain Leah Williamson, shoot-out hero Chloe Kelly, and Russo among seven Arsenal nominees after they won the Women’s Champions League.

All of them finished in the top ten alongside Lucy Bronze of Barcelona and Hannah Hampton of Chelsea. Hampton was named women’s goalkeeper of the year with Gianluigi Donnarumma taking the men’s prize.

It’s rare for the Princess to offer an update on her physical fitness after she spent much of 2021 and 2022 overcoming a lengthy health crisis

Sarina Wiegman, the Lionesses head coach, won the Johan Cruyff Trophy awarded to the best coach in the women’s game.

‘What an honour to win this award after a very special summer,’ said Wiegman, who was jokingly asked by Ruud Gullit on stage to ‘Please come back to Holland.’

Enrique won the award for the best men’s coach, beating the likes of Arne Slot, Antonio Conte, Enzo Maresca and Hansi Flick

Princess Charlene has clearly had a busy week, previously attending the Princess of Monaco Cup charity golf tournament in Monte Carlo. 

Meanwhile, Charlene and Albert’s 10-year-old twins returned to school after a long summer earlier this month – and the young royals proved they were just like normal children when they donned Labubu and Roblox merchandise for their first day back. 

Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella beamed in social media snaps as they kicked off the academic year at the prestigious Institution François D’assise-Nicolas Barré, having updated their uniforms to reflect their current passions. 

Gabriella brandished a baby blue bag adorned with the cartoon character Cinnamoroll – of the famous Japanese entertainment company Sanrio, best known for creating Hello Kitty – in one picture. 

Fitted with illustrations, numerous pockets and badges, it was also enhanced by a clipped on Labubu – a collectible made by Chinese toy company Pop Mart that has been sending even A-lister shoppers into a frenzy.

In an Instagram caption, the royals congratulated the children on resuming their studies.

‘A new school year full of discoveries, friendships and adventures awaits them,’ it read.

‘The Family wishes all the students of the Principality a very nice start to school! A new academic year full of discoveries, friendships, and adventures awaits them.’

The kids have been attending the school since 2021, according Monaco Life.