Princess Charlene Shines in Backless String Dress at South Africa Gala Night [PHOTOS]

Princess Charlene of Monaco has once again proven she is no less glamorous and elegant than the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. The princess, who married Prince Albert II in July last year, attended the South Africa Gala night in Monaco, where she completely outshone everybody.

She slipped on a backless, brown and gold lace dress, with a stringed criss-cross pattern across her back. The 34 year old princess chose a brown clutch and a bracelet matching the lace on her sleek, floor-length gown as her accessories. She also wore a brown bangle on her left arm and the new bob-style hairdo complemented the entire ensemble perfectly.

The princess wore no other piece of jewelry but the dress was tied around her neck and the floral pattern in front made it look like a necklace. She opted for a subtle make-up that gave her an effortlessly elegant look.

Celebrating South Africa

Princess Charlene, a former Olympic swimmer, was accompanied by her husband to the event held at the Monte Carlo Opera House. The Gala was to mark the beginning of a week-long celebration of South Africa; the princess was born in Africa. Her family members - parents Lynette and Michael Wittstock and brother Gareth Wittstock, with his girlfriend Rosin Gavin - were also present. The other noted attendees at the event were South African singer Johnny Clegg (who also performed at the gala), Swedish model Victoria Silvstedt and British actor Sir Roger George Moore.

Charlene's South African Connections

The South Africa Gala night in Monaco was the second event in recent months involving Princess Charlene's roots. According to the Royal Palace, in July, the princess invited South African swimmers selected for the 2012 London Olympics to train in the principality. With the support of her foundation, the princess made certain the swimmers followed a rigorous physical preparation programme perfectly adapted to the Olympic Games. She was also said to be "extremely attentive" to the proper organisation of the swimmers' two weeks stay in Monaco, ahead of the summer Olympic Games.

Scroll down to view the latest pictures of Princess Charlene at the South Africa Gala