Lavish Decor, Star-Studded Guests, and Earth, Wind & Fire Highlight the Princess Grace Foundation Benefit
The Rose Ball: Glamour and Solidarity at the Start of Monaco’s Season
Once again, solidarity and glamour came together at the iconic Rose Ball last Saturday, March 29, kicking off Monaco’s event season in spectacular fashion. Under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II and chaired by the Princess of Hanover, this 69th edition reaffirmed its commitment to charity, with all funds raised going to the Princess Grace Foundation — an organization dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people and disadvantaged children.
Far from diminishing the evening’s sparkle, the commitment to charity blended seamlessly with the Principality’s defining luxury on a night where generosity donned its finest. The iconic Salle des Étoiles was transformed into a fascinating Caribbean Eden thanks to the creative talent of Christian Louboutin, invited for the fourth consecutive year by the Princess of Hanover to bring “The Sunset Ball” concept to life.
The event was graced by the presence of the princely family: Prince Albert II alongside Princess Charlene and Princess Caroline, followed by Charlotte Casiraghi, Beatrice Borromeo, Andrea Casiraghi with Tatiana Santo Domingo, and Princess Alexandra of Hanover accompanied by Ben Sylvester Strautmann. They were joined by personalities such as Victoria Silvstedt, Lady Monika Bacardi, Stéphane Berne, and the legendary Dame Shirley Bassey.
An exuberant forest, adorned with delicate roses and exotic tropical flowers, provided the backdrop for the “Monaco Sunset Bar”– a beach corner inviting guests to enjoy the ambiance with their feet in the sand while contemplating a perfectly recreated sunset. This carefully crafted scenography allowed tuxedos and haute couture dresses to blend harmoniously with the warm colors of the setting sun. The international elite let themselves be enveloped by the magic of the moment, to the rhythm of reggaeton and Caribbean melodies that set the pulse of this exceptional night.
Moments of extraordinary beauty punctuated the evening, featuring performances by acclaimed choreographer Blanca Li and the captivating melodies of the Ebony Steel Band. The Guadeloupean female collective Kozéika Panam and the group Ethnick’97 transported attendees to the heart of the most authentic Caribbean traditions. Without a doubt, the highlight came with the masterful performance of EARTH, WIND & FIRE Experience by Al McKay. The legendary guitarist, accompanied by renowned artists, revived global hits like “September” and “Boogie Wonderland, ” while DJ Carla Genus kept the festive spirit going until dawn.
The Rose Ball has demonstrated, once again, that in Monaco, exclusivity and luxury can be powerful vehicles for noble causes. This first event of the season not only left an indelible memory for those who had the privilege of attending but also reinforced the Principality’s commitment to the values of generosity and solidarity, setting an exceptional precedent for the events that will follow in Monaco’s social calendar.
