It was not quite ‘all hands on deck’ this year at the Rose Ball. The Casiraghi boys were no-shows but TSH Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, HRH Princess Caroline and Charlotte Casiraghi all cut fine figures at the Saturday bash which had the theme of “Swinging London - Swinging Rose”. Among the celebrities attending this year were English musician Miles Kane, Swedish model Victoria Silvstedt, Irish singer Imelda May (looking very pregnant), English musician Mark Ronson (lucky enough to get a seat next to Charlotte), TRH Prince Charles and Princess Camilla of Bourbon Two-Sicilies (as usual), Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, former Miss France Sylvie Tellier, Chinese model Luo Zilin, French choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot, Italian jewelry tycoon Alberto Repossi, Melanie de Massy representing the late Princess Antoinette’s branch of the Grimaldi family tree as usual and Russian actress Tatyana Dyagileva who would have looked absolutely fantastic if the party had been thrown with a 1920‘s rather than 1960‘s theme. Entertainment was provided by Pete Doherty with Imelda May and ’The Hype’ also taking the stage during the evening.
HSH Prince Albert II arrived with Charlotte Casiraghi who wore ... a dress
HRH Princess Caroline and HSH Princess Charlene arrived together
The Grimaldi Group Photo of the evening, all looking very stylish. I have heard Princess Caroline is wearing a pair of Princess Grace's earrings and, as usual, Charlene seems alergic to jewelry.
TRH Prince Charles and Princess Camilla of Bouron Two-Sicilies, a regular feature at these things. "What?! What Are You Saying?! I'm Sorry, I Can't Hear You Over That Dress!"
Charlotte Casiraghi and Melanie de Massy hit the dance floor. Bust a move girls!
Melanie-Antoinette de Massy, representing
Some of the crew who made the evening possible
Princess Charlene, dancing with her man and having a look
Andrea, supported by Pierre and Charlotte delivered a special tribute to Princess Antoinette. The Casiraghis left before the festivities started as a show of respect for their late great-aunt.
Obligatory pic of Charlotte
The ball was held at Sporting Monte Carlo
The decorations all reflect the Motown theme, chosen by Princess Caroline.
In the aftermath of the Rose Ball it is Princess Caroline who has been given the most attention over the event and not, this year at least, exclusively because of her role in the planning and design of the event. Rather, it is in light of all of her private hardships in recent days that seems to have made most of the public all the more impressed by her style, glamour and cheerful attitude. In spite of all she has been through, Princess Caroline was her usual, radiant self at the Rose Ball. Many have said, because of this, that she has put her marital problems behind her; she is over it, it is behind her and she is not allowing the recent problems to get her down. In short, the Princess displayed the same strength and grace and ability to rise to the occasion that she has exhibited ever since the tragic loss of Princess Grace when she was suddenly thrust into the role of leading lady in the Principality of Monaco. Of course, I am sure all of the problems are not behind her, the "situation" with Prince Ernst is not resolved and we still do not know how that will turn out. However, Caroline has displayed why so many people (yours truly included) had such confidence from the begining in her ability to cope. However, that being said, it is important in such cases not to exaggerate the seeming strength of such people. It can, at times, be easy to 'expect' such strong people to be able to handle anything and they thus might not get the support and sympathy they need as much as anyone in times of trial. After all, as the song says 'everybody hurts'. It is, still, pleasing to see that Princess Caroline is able to carry on, through good times and bad, with the ability to match herself to every occasion as she always has. God bless you Princess.
This year's Monte Carlo Rose Ball was a resounding success. Princess Caroline, keeping with tradition, picked out the theme of the party which was, this year, "Morocco" and everything from decoration to much of the chosen attire of the guests was built around the styles of the north African kingdom.
Princess Caroline, Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock
Prince Albert's longtime girlfriend Charlene Wittstock attended once again
The Sovereign Prince of Monaco
Charlene, Prince Albert and Princess Caroline pose with guests of honor Frederic Mitterand (French Culture Minister) and Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui of Morocco
Charlotte Casiraghi, looking as lovely as usual
Charlotte attended with her older brother Andrea Casiraghi (cousin Melanie de Massy can be seen in the background)
Pierre Casiraghi attended with girlfriend Beatrice Borromeo
French Culture Minister Frederic Mitterand and Princess Lalla of Morocco
Princely cousin Melanie de Massy (right) granddaughter of Princess Antoinette of Monaco attended with Gaia Repossi
Also on hand were Princess Camilla and Prince Charles of Bourbon-Two Sicilies
Andrea Casiraghi's girlfriend Tatiana Santo Domingo (right) chose distinctly Moroccan fashions in keeping with this year's Rose Ball theme
