Monarchical monochrome

We're used to seeing kings and princes in black and white. Most royal engagements require the men of the royal house to don a suit, usually in a dark colour, with a shirt in a paler colour - namely white. But in the last few weeks it's the royal ladies who have been getting into the monochrome mix. Queens, princesses and ladies in waiting have been embracing the black and white look. Here are some monarchical monochrome moments.

Princess Charlene of Monaco is the latest royal lady to choose a black and white combo

In a black beret and black and white coat, the expectant mother appeared briefly on the balcony on Monaco's national day

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden has also gone monochrome in recent weeks, most recently at an event celebrating textiles and clothing.

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden at an engagement in the week

And earlier in the month, Victoria went for a black and white mix dress and black jacket when she hosted a reception at the Royal Palace in Stockholm.

Victoria with her guests at a reception at the Royal Palace in mid November 2014

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark chose a black and white mix jacket, worn with black top and trousers, for a visit to a school in Copenhagen on the 25th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in the week.

Crown Princess Mary arriving for celebrations marking the anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Children

The princes had already chanelled the monochrome trend earlier in the month when she wore a black dress with white coat to a conference in Copenhagen where she joined discussions on ending female circumcision.

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark on her arrival at the Christiansborg Palace in early November 2014

Queen Mathilde of the Belgians chose a striking white dress with black print for a meeting in the week with Jean Claude Juncker at the Laeken Palace.

Queen Mathilde of the Belgians at the Laeken Palace in November 2014

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands chose a black and white dress with unusual black hat for a visit to a school in the week.

Queen Maxima in black and white for a school visit in November 2014

Earlier in the month, the queen had chosen a black and white lace effect dress when she attended the final of the 10th annual Franz Liszt competition held in Utrecht.

The Queen of the Netherlands on her visit to Utrecht on November 8th 2014

Queen Letizia wore a white and black suit for her introductory visit to Italy in the week. The jacket had black trim and was worn throughout the day in Rome.

The Queen of Spain in black and white for her visit to Rome with King Felipe VI

The week before, the queen had chosen a white dress with black trim for the introductory visit to Luxembourg.

More monochrome for Letizia as she spends the day in Luxembourg in November 2014

Which just goes to show that it's not just the royal men keeping it simple as winter starts to take a hold in Europe's royal courts/