Diplomatic Jewels in Monaco

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This weekend, an unusual diplomatic visit in sunny Monaco brought out royal jewels from both the princely family and their Chinese government guests.

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On Sunday, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene welcomed President Xi Jinping of China and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to the Palais Princier in Monaco for a state luncheon. Diplomatic events like these are relatively rare in the principality, so it was fun to see Monegasque pomp on display for the occasion.

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Albert and Charlene greeted their guests in the famous courtyard of the palace.

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Inside the palace, the couples posed for an official photograph.

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Afterward, they headed in to the official luncheon, which was also held inside the palace.

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Princess Caroline was also among the guests for the meal.

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The jewels worn by all three ladies on the day were daytime-appropriate pieces with a formal touch. Charlene chose earrings in pearl and gold tones from Dior’s Tribales collection.

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The First Lady also chose pearls — round pearl drops suspended from modern diamond studs.

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Caroline chose stud earrings from Van Cleef and Arpels’s Magic Alhambra line — a collection we’ve also seen often lately on the Duchess of Cornwall.

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After lunch, the presidential and princely couples posed on the palace’s famous balcony.

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Albert and Charlene sent their Chinese guests off with an enthusiastic farewell. You’ll also notice one more accessory here: Albert wore a pin featuring the Chinese and Monegasque flags on the lapel of his jacket.