Princess Charlene of Monaco appears unrecognisable as she shows off a VERY daring haircut

Known for her signature blonde locks, Princess Charlene of Monaco was almost unrecognisable as she debuted a dramatic half-shaved haircut on a royal outing today.

The mother-of-two’s new style features a close shave down the left side of her head, with the remaining hair dyed blonde-brown and cut in a choppy, punk-inspired style.

Charlene, 42, showed off her bold new look as she joined her husband Prince Albert, 60, and their six-year-old son Jacques to hand out Christmas presents in Monaco.   

Princess Charlene of Monaco, 42, appeared unrecognisable today as she attended the traditional Christmas tree ceremony at the Monaco Palace

The mother-of-two showed off a daring new haircut, including a closely shaved head, as she joined children at the event to mark the star of the Christmas holiday season

The bold haircut is a sharp departure from her usual lengthy blonde tresses, which she often wears in a soft bouncy bob style 

The mother-of-two choose to wear bronze mask covered in sequins for the appearance and also donned several sets of silver earrings.

Meanwhile she also wore a tan and black jacket with a vibrant pattern and a sparkling black jumper for the occasion.

Although the former Olympic swimmer has often been spotted favouring shorter haircuts, her latest look marks one of her most daring styles in recent years.

She is more often known for her elegant dress sense and usually chooses a neutral palette of cream, taupe and beige.

She’s a dedicated fan of Akris and Armani’s clean lines and muted palette, often seen in classic and streamlined styles.  

While the royal is known for her love of distinctive hairstyles, her most recent style is the most daring 

The mother-of-two was joined by her young son Prince Jacques, six, for the festive appearance as they peaked out from a hut filled with toys 

The royal, who has been known to favour shorter styles over the years, showcased her closely shaved head during the appearance today

The mother-of-two waved to children and families as she distributed toys to youngsters at Monaco palace today

The 42-year-old royal was all smiles as she sat with her husband Prince Albert of Monaco and their daughter and son in the candid photographs. 

The royal met Charlene at the Mare Nostrum swimming competition in Monte Carlo in 2000, announced their engagement in 2010, and tied the knot on July 1, 2011. 

Her pregnancy was announced in May 2014, and in December that year she gave birth to twins Princess Gabriella and heir to the throne, Prince Jacques. 

Despite the many sweet treats lining the table in front of them, the twins didn’t seem too excited as they blew out the candles of their birthday cake at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco.

Princess Charlene shared the two sweet snaps to her Instagram account last week to mark her ‘beautiful’ children’s birthday.

Charlene, wearing a protective face mask, distributes gifts to Monaco’s children during the traditional Christmas tree ceremony

Sharing the two family photographs, Princess Charlene wrote: ‘Happy 6th birthday, my beautiful children.’

The royal sported a sophisticated cardigan and high-neck jumper combo for the picture, while leaving her golden locks in a straight hairdo.

Her husband looked as equally charming in a black suit and white shirt, teamed with a very colourful tie.

Keeping it casual on their birthday, the children opted for onesies, with Prince Jacques wearing a black and white one, while his sister donned a pink version.

The twins spent the day of their birthday in school, and then in the afternoon they attended the christening of a new Maritime Police boat, the Princess Gabriella.

Speaking about his daughter, who the vessel is named after, Prince Albert told People: ‘Gabriella, she’s a pistol, I’ll tell you! She’s already got a great little sense of humor, sense of showmanship.’  

‘With a limited amount of other children,’ Albert stressed, ‘and I emphasize the word “limited” because they’ll be people saying, “How come they can have a party and our kids can’t have group activities?”’ 

Prince Albert, who was the first head of state to be diagnosed with Covid-19 earlier this year, added that social distancing and downsized public events are in store for the twins. 

Zimbabwean-born Charlene, a former Olympic swimmer, is a committed philanthropist and often draws on her athletic connections to raise money for the fund established in her name.