logo
Princess Charlene steals the show at Monaco Grand Prix

Princess Charlene steals the show at Monaco Grand Prix

Princess Charlene of Monaco, the former South African Olympic swimmer, once again stole the show at the Monaco Grand Prix.
On Friday, Charlene met children supported by the Monaco Liver Disorder association. She wore a striking 'Drareen' shirt dress by Sara Roka.
Princess Charlene and Prince Albert hosted a grand reception at the Prince's Palace to mark the opening of the 82nd Monaco Grand Prix.
For this, the princess chose a waist-cinching black Giorgio Armani ensemble, glittering with crystals.
The dress hugged her figure, showing off her athletic build, with her signature blonde hair falling in soft waves, and her makeup gave her a radiant glow.
Charlene's fashion streak didn't stop there. Last week, she attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome, according to Hello Magazine.
As one of the few royal women allowed to wear white before the Pope, she chose a breathtaking Ellie Saab midi dress.
The dress featured delicate stripes and abstract patterns. She finished the look with a white Akris clutch, white heels, and a sheer mantilla.
Princess Charlene's recent outfits have captivated royal watchers and fashion fans alike.
Her choices blend Monaco's glamour with a subtle nod to her South African roots. She proves that style knows no borders.
Princess Charlene's connection to South Africa runs deep and remains a central part of her identity.
Born Charlene Wittstock in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, she moved to South Africa with her family at the age of 12. This is where her passion for swimming flourished.
She went on to represent South Africa at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and won multiple medals at international competitions.
She even went on to become a national champion and a celebrated athlete. Despite her royal status in Monaco, Charlene has always spoken fondly of her South African roots.
'South Africa has – and always will be – in my heart. Every time I visit this beautiful country, I am filled with immense joy and pride'.
She regularly returns for charitable work, especially through her foundation's water safety initiatives. She has often described herself simply and proudly: 'I am African and this is my heritage
As the Grand Prix excitement continues, all eyes remain on Monaco's princess.
Princess Charlene continues to captivate the world with her grace, style, and unwavering connection to her South African roots.
Whether dazzling on the Monaco Grand Prix stage or championing causes close to her heart. She embodies the spirit of a modern royal who honours her heritage while embracing her global role.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Romance is not dead: it's just evolved! Explore the new love landscape
Romance is not dead: it's just evolved! Explore the new love landscape

IOL News

time26 minutes ago

  • IOL News

Romance is not dead: it's just evolved! Explore the new love landscape

Romance isn't dead; it's simply evolved. Its essence endures, now expressed through the finer details. Image: kingoumar We've all heard it before, romance is dead. Whether it's uttered in frustration after a ghosting situation or casually thrown around in memes, the idea has taken hold. But if you pause the doomscrolling and take a deeper look, you'll find romance isn't dead, it's just had a much-needed glow-up. Is romance really dead? Here's why modern love is thriving in the details The phrase "romance is dead" has been tossed around for years, often as a lament for times when grand gestures like handwritten letters or surprise serenades were the norm. But take a closer look at today's relationships, and you'll see that romance isn't dead it's simply evolved. Our lives move faster than ever, love has shifted from lavish displays to intentional, everyday acts of care that hit closer to the heart. The new face of romance is more personal, practical and accessible, proving that love thrives in the details. One clear example of this shift comes from South African YouTuber and content creator Elhadj Bah, known as 'King Oumar'. In a viral video titled 'Surprising my girlfriend with a romantic dinner date', Bah demonstrates how meaningful gestures don't need to break the bank; they just need to come from the heart. His carefully planned evening, which included flowers, candles, handwritten notes, and music, captivated not just his girlfriend but also millions of viewers. It's a reminder that romance today isn't about extravagance; it's about intentionality. The romance blueprint: Understanding the love languages At the core of modern romance lies a timeless truth: love flourishes when it's expressed in ways that resonate deeply with your partner. Gary Chapman's The Five Love Languages remains one of the most enduring frameworks for understanding how people give and receive love. By identifying whether your partner values words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, physical touch, or gifts, you can tailor your gestures to make them feel truly seen and appreciated. Bah's video is a perfect example of this philosophy in action. His girlfriend's love for thoughtful surprises was met with a meticulously planned evening. From sourcing decorative pieces online to positioning a heartfelt handwritten note that read 'open me' as the first thing she saw, every detail was designed to show her she was his priority. Instead of grandiosity, Bah focused on creating an intimate moment that felt personal and genuine. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ How to speak your partner's love language Here's how you can infuse intentionality into your relationship, using the five love languages as your guide. Words of affirmation: Say what you mean For those who value verbal expressions of love, thoughtful words can go a long way. Compliments, encouragement, and heartfelt notes can make your partner feel cherished. You could gift them something as simple as The Five-Minute Journal, which can double as a space to exchange loving notes and affirmations. It's a tangible way to keep your connection alive through meaningful words. Quality time: Be present We live in a world where undivided attention is rare and valuable. To help ensure you prioritise time for each other, physical planners or time-blocking apps can be a lifesaver. Whether it's a cosy picnic or a quiet evening cooking together, the key is to create moments where your partner feels they're your focus. Acts of service: Actions speak louder Sometimes love is in the little things, making coffee in the morning, running an errand, or doing something that lightens your partner's load. Small efforts like these can speak volumes. Physical touch: Connection beyond words For some, love is felt most deeply through touch, whether it's a hug, a kiss, or simply holding hands. Enhancing these moments with small thoughtful touches can elevate the experience. Gifts When gifts are your partner's love language, it's not about how much you spend but how much thought you put into it. Online platforms like Temu make finding unique, affordable gifts easier than ever. A recent "News24" survey found that 46% of South African shoppers saved more than half their budgets on the platform, proving that meaningful gifts are within reach for everyone. Whether it's planning a surprise date or simply leaving a sticky note on the fridge, these gestures show your partner that they matter. Image: Monstera Production/pexels The secret sauce of modern romance: Thoughtfulness What Bah's viral video and countless other everyday love stories teach us is that romance thrives on thoughtfulness. A candlelit dinner, a handwritten note, or even an inside joke woven into a small gesture can bring you closer to your partner. It's not about competing with Hollywood standards of love but about creating moments that feel authentic to your relationship. A 2023 study by psychologist Dr Terri Orbuch found that couples who focus on small, thoughtful acts of affection report higher levels of satisfaction in their relationships. Whether it's planning a surprise date or simply leaving a sticky note on the fridge, these gestures show your partner that they matter. Romance is alive, and it's in the details. Far from being dead, romance is alive and well, it's just wearing a new outfit.

Springboks vs Italy: Three players who will be on a mission
Springboks vs Italy: Three players who will be on a mission

The South African

timean hour ago

  • The South African

Springboks vs Italy: Three players who will be on a mission

The Springboks certainly won't be short on motivation when they take on Italy in their second Test in Gqeberha on Saturday, 12 July. While the Boks secured a 42-24 win in Pretoria in their first Test of the season against the Azzurri, there is much to improve on by their standards. While there were players who were on fire, there were also those whose performances wouldn't exactly be a feature in their career highlights reel. So, with another clash against the spirited Italians coming up, here are three players to watch (for different reasons). The Springbok fullback will become the eighth South African to earn 100 Test caps on Saturday. Needless to say, it's a remarkable feat, so it goes without saying that he'd want to have a blinder come the weekend. And it's certainly something he can do. When he's good, he's great. And if he fires in his full-circle moment, it will be an unforgettable occasion. Le Roux made his Test debut against Italy in Durban in 2013, and his milestone will see him join Eben Etzebeth, Jean de Villiers, Tendai Mtawarira, John Smit, Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana, and Percy Montgomery in an elite group as Bok centurions. The flyhalf was in top form against the Barbarians, nailing all five of his attempts off the tee in extremely testing conditions and sparking the Boks' attack after coming on for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the second half. Given all the flak he's copped for his goal-kicking, that area was the most inpressive factor in an overall shining personal performance in a wet and windy Cape Town. His starting berth alongside scrumhalf Grant Williams is a mouth-watering one. And, given the wizardry magical Manie can create, we can see this as another opportunity for him to do what only he can and send out yet another reminder of his abilities (not that it's needed at this point). The Stormers loose forward was initially omitted from the Bok squad, and that alone should fuel him when he comes off the bench. Speculation was rife when Roos was left out of the initial 54-man squad. But, following Bulls No 8 Cameron Hanekom's injury and Roos' call-up, Bok coach Rassie Erasmus explained that his initial omission was 'nothing personal' and that they simply opted for players in better form. That alone should have a galvanising effect when he provides impact off the bench against the Azzurri. Springbok Team: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Thomas du Toit. Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Ox Nché, 18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Evan Roos, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Ethan Hooker. WHO DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE STANDOUT PLAYERS AGAINST ITALY? Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

MaMkhize lives it up as netizens link her to the Mkhwanazi saga
MaMkhize lives it up as netizens link her to the Mkhwanazi saga

The Citizen

timean hour ago

  • The Citizen

MaMkhize lives it up as netizens link her to the Mkhwanazi saga

From fur coats courtside at an NBA game to glamorous game reserve getaways, flamboyant businesswoman Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize remains silent amid the Mkhwanazi saga. While luxury cars linked to her name are being auctioned off by the South African Revenue Service (Sars) and her once-prized football club, Royal AM, slips from her grasp, Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize continues to live life in unapologetic opulence. From fur coats courtside at an NBA game to glam game-reserve getaways, the flamboyant businesswoman remains silent, despite growing scrutiny and public questions around her ties to figures named in a weekend briefing by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. A queen without a club Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize. Picture: X The fall of Royal AM, once a rising force in South African football owned by MaMkhize, has sent shockwaves through the PSL. The team's status has reportedly been revoked due to failure to meet financial obligations, while several sources confirm that Sars is now auctioning off luxury cars linked to her name. Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize. Picture: Instagram But the Kwa MamKhize reality star and business mogul hasn't said a word. Instead, she's been posting, living the soft life, sipping sundowners with friends, posing in designer looks, and even appearing courtside in fur at a recent NBA game in Pretoria. Most recently, MaMkhize was seen enjoying a luxury safari trip, with fans questioning: 'Where's the money coming from?' ALSO READ: Mchunu to report to ANC on Mkhwanazi's allegations General Mkhwanazi speaks out Over the weekend, Mkhwanazi made explosive allegations during a media briefing. While not naming MaMkhize directly, he mentioned that certain businesspeople and celebrities 'with close ties to criminal networks' were under active investigation, leaving the public to speculate and make allegations, and the rumour mill to buzz loudly. 'Some of these individuals are parading on social media, living lavishly, while we know exactly who they associate with… their day will come,' said Mkhwanazi. This sent social media into overdrive, with many users interpreting the statement as a veiled reference to MaMkhize, all unproven allegations, and questioning her ongoing financial muscle amid mounting legal woes. Picture: X A history of high life and headaches Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize. Picture: Instagram MaMkhize is no stranger to controversy. In 2005, she was convicted of tax fraud and later paid back more than R17 million to Sars. Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize. Picture: X Her construction company, Zikhulise Cleaning, Maintenance and Transport, has long been under scrutiny for irregular municipal contracts. Despite her past, she has reinvented herself as a TV star, philanthropist, and luxury lifestyle icon. But the past seems to be catching up again. Netizens react Online, the public has been vocal: 'Sars is auctioning her cars, but she's dining like a queen?' Picture: X 'She's untouchable… or is she?' 'The silence is suspicious.' MaMkhize continues to serve looks and luxury online daily.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store