Princess Charlene joined fellow European royals at the funeral of King Harald V of Norway on Wednesday.
While we are used to seeing the wife of Prince Albert II looking exquisitely glamorous whatever the occasion, the Monegasque royal made a low-key appearance at the late King's funeral proceedings, honouring the centuries-long strict protocol.
© Getty Images'Dissappear beind the meaning'
According to protocol expert, Marta Callejo, the tradition to "disappear behind the meaning of the act," meaning that outfits are kept strictly respectful.
Charlene, stepped out wearing an elegant veil, which she paired with a boxy blazer and matching trousers as she walked behind the King's procession. She added a Dior handbag in black.
© Getty ImagesMarta told HELLO!'s sister publication, HOLA: "The goal is not to draw attention with black, but to visually disappear behind the meaning of the act."
"At a royal funeral, the protocol doesn't aim to highlight the person following it, but rather to build a collective image, fundamentally one of respect. I think that, nowadays, we could say that protocol doesn't consist of applying a list of prohibitions, but rather in understanding what each ceremony needs and adapting our image to it."
WATCH LIVE: PRINCE WILLIAM AND PRINCESS ANNE ATTEND KING HARALD'S FUNERAL
Marta also explained the differences in the UK and Norwegian fashion protocol when it comes to funerals.
© Getty Images"In the United Kingdom, black, hats, and certain elements of mourning have a much stronger protocolary weight. In Norway, solemnity is maintained, but there is greater freedom; for example, we wouldn't be surprised to see blues or dark grays, in sober lines, but not all black."
As for fabrics, the rule is simple: nothing that shines unnecessarily. Wool, crepe, and matte-looking materials work better than satin, sequins, or flashy finishes. Prints also take a backseat to plain surfaces and dark colours. The "safest option" is something like a midi dress.
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King Haakon's funeral
The late King's funeral saw a slew of European royals attend including the UK's Prince William, who attended with his aunt, Princess Anne, King Haakon's godmother.
The Princess Royal looked sombre as paid her respects alongside Prince William. Anne looked smart in a black blazer and scarf, with her hair in her signature coiffed style, accompanied by a black headpiece.
© Getty ImagesAnne kept her composure while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with William.
Other royals in attendance are King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, and Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg.
