Princess Charlène (48) opened the 77th Red Cross Ball in Monaco together with Prince Albert II (68) on Saturday evening. As the French magazine "Paris Match" reports, the princely couple entered the Salle des Étoiles at Sporting Monte-Carlo at 8:30 p.m. Charlène wore a golden gown that designer Elie Saab had created especially for this evening. She paired it with a golden clutch and sparkling drop earrings. Her hair was styled in a wavy side part, and red lipstick provided a splash of color. Albert opted for a white tuxedo with dark trousers and a red bow tie.
As photos show that the Princely Palace published on Instagram, the couple was accompanied by Camille Gottlieb (28), the younger daughter of Princess Stéphanie (61). She is involved with the Monegasque Red Cross and heads its youth section. For the ball, she had chosen a butter-yellow dress by Elisabetta Franchi and jewelry by Cartier.
To a piece by Barry White (1944-2003), Albert and Charlène, president and vice president of the Monegasque Red Cross, traditionally opened the dance before the Prince invited additional guests onto the floor.
A ball with princely history
The evening is more than a social event. It was conceived by Prince Louis II of Monaco (1870-1949), with the first edition in 1948 under the direction of Prince Rainier III (1923-2005). Later Princess Grace Patricia (1929-1982) took over, and since her death in 1982, Albert. The proceeds go to social projects worldwide, especially in the areas of health and youth work. In an internationally tense situation, the ball has rather gained in importance, the French newspaper comments.
Charlène first appeared at the ball in 2006 - at that time she was not yet engaged to the Prince, but already part of the princely circle. In 2011 she came back with a wedding ring.
Instead of world stars, a premiere
The stage of the Salle des Étoiles has featured Frank Sinatra, Grace Jones and Whitney Houston for this occasion, and in recent times Lana Del Rey, Robbie Williams and Alicia Keys have performed there. This time it was different. The Sporting Club Monte-Carlo produced its own show "SOUL!", which premiered this evening and traces the development of African-American music.
Michel Boujenah and Estelle Lefébure hosted the evening. The raffles featured prizes including a sparkling Cartier set.
Three-star cuisine, dessert as artwork
Guests were able to enjoy a dinner conceived by three-Michelin-star chef Marcel Ravin and prepared by chef Thierry Saez Manzanares, head chef of Sporting Monte-Carlo, as the Principality announced via social media. Among other dishes, sea bass with zucchini blossom was served. The dessert came from Cédric Grolet (40): a trompe-l'œil version of a flat peach.
Above the open roof of the Salle des Étoiles, fireworks could be seen that were launched from the sea.
