AUSTRALIA holds fond memories for Princess Charlene of Monaco.

During a speech in Bendigo on Saturday, the relatively new royal spoke of her previous trips to Australia.

“Australia holds a very special place in my heart,” she said.

“I often travelled here to train and to compete with my Australian mates, surely among the finest athletes in the world.

“I am also touched by the gracious hospitality of the great people of Bendigo, their city and their legendary art gallery, and so thrilled to be back in this great country,” she said.

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Princess Charlene represented her husband, Prince Albert, who she married last year, to open the final installation of a global exhibition in his mother’s honour.

She previously visited Australia as South African Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock.

Princess Charlene spoke to residents who lined the entrance to the Bendigo Art Gallery.

She high-fived Strathfieldsaye Primary School pupils who had eagerly awaited her arrival.

Princess Charlene described her mother-in-law as “perhaps one of the most captivating personalities of all times”.

“Knowing the life, talents and achievements of Princess Grace, where do we begin to tell the incredible story of such an accomplished artist, a patron of the arts, a humanitarian, a princess, and indeed a style icon?” she said.

“Princess Grace’s beautiful style is a reflection of her natural elegance, taste, character, and a rare command of colours and textures.

“A style so gracefully unique that it remains an inspiration to all across generations and cultures.

“A style so much part of every facet of her amazing life, including the beloved princess and the devoted mother she was.”