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Princess Charlene of Monaco sheds tear for Princess Grace

Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco cut a regal figure in a dramatic Ralph Lauren gown at the Princess Grace Foundation Awards Gala. But the former Olympics swimmer gave away a touch of emotion, wiping away a tear, as she spoke about the late Princess Grace.

Grace KellyAP

She told the gala crowd on Wednesday at Cipriani 42nd Street, “Princess Grace, to me, provides unending inspiration. I admire and respect her for all she accomplished and for the values that she continues to transmit.”

Wiping a tear from her face, Charlene collected herself and said, “Sorry, I’m just a little nervous right now. I am really messing up my speech.”

She was greeted with enthusiastic applause before she continued, “For so many people around the world, Princess Grace is an icon, an accomplished actress, a princess with a big heart, a fantastic mother and a remarkable woman. For me, she is a constant reminder of what is important: to be a woman who is strong and caring, hard-working and dedicated to her family but fiercely determined to make a difference. Whatever is our mission in life, it is to never give up giving back, because this is the only way to change things for the better, just as she did.”

Cicely Tyson at the Princess Grace Awards Gala.Getty Images

Princess Charlene, with her short blond hair swept back, appeared alone at the gala, telling the guests — some of whom wondered if she feels pressure to live up to the legend of Princes Grace — “It is my biggest night to support the Princess Grace Foundation. My husband cannot be here tonight, but he sends his love.”

Charlene presented the Prince Rainier III Award to “The Help” star Cicely Tyson for her service to the performing arts. Awards were also presented to filmmaker Wendy Levy and New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Tiler Peck.