Princess Charlene’s Deep Curtsy to Spain’s Royals Sparks Debate on Royal Protocol

Princess Charlene of Monaco’s gesture towards the King and Queen of Spain last week may have left some observers of royal protocol surprised.

During her and her husband Prince Albert II’s two day tour of Spain, she dropped into a deep curtsy on greeting the Spanish monarch and his wife.

But was this an interesting breach of royal protocol?

Prince Albert is the sovereign of Monaco, and as Charlene is the consort of a head of state she should feel no imperative to curtsy to royals of equal rank.

However, it has been pointed out that Monaco is a principality, and Spain is a kingdom—and therefore it was correct for Charlene to make the gesture.

The King and Queen of Spain are styled His and Her Majesty, which does in fact rank as a higher form of address than Albert and Charlene’s stylings His and Her Majesty.

Charlene and Albert’s Spanish visit was to mark the 150th anniversary of Monaco and Spain’s diplomatic relationship.

This week the royal couple were channeling Monaco’s renowned glamor as they attended the Formula 1 Grand Prix, which was held on the iconic Circuit de Monaco for the 83rd time.

Last night Charlene and Albert attended the traditional gala to mark the Grand Prix’s conclusion, with the princess stunning in a white shirt by Dolce & Gabbana and long black skirt.

The shirt featured a bib embellished with crystals and silver beads, marking a simple way to elevate a classic ensemble.

On Friday Charlene wore a much more striking outfit: a fiery red dress with a plunging V-neckline.

The dress is by Solace London, a brand that Kate Middleton has worn on multiple occasions.

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The most notable occasion was when she wore a neon green off the shoulder dress by the designer to the 2022 Earthshot Awards in Boston.

The Princess of Wales paired the sleek gown with an emerald and diamond choker that belonged to Princess Diana.

Charlene’s carousel of Grand Prix fashion doesn’t end with that gorgeous red dress, however; on Sunday she turned heads in a sleeveless white dress by Elie Saab that prompted Hello!magazine to compare her to a ‘Grecian goddess.’

Perhaps Charlene’s most breathtaking Grand Prix look of all time was in 2024, when she and Albert hosted the traditional gala dinner at Prince’s Palace of Monaco to mark the official opening of the Grand Prix.

Charlene wore a teal Bardot style jumpsuit by Louis Vuitton of which her late mother-in-law Grace Kelly would surely approve!

Next, Harriet Sperling Sparkles in Diamond Tiara As She Marries Queen Elizabeth II’s Grandson

This story was originally published by Parade on Jun 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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