On August 5, 2011, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco attended the 63rd Annual Red Cross Gala Ball at the Sporting d’Eté Club in Monte-Carlo.

According to the French newspaper, L’Express (yes, that paper), approximately:

…800 guests  paid 1,000 Euros to attend the fundraiser gala event.  After dinner the guests listened to Joe Cocker, a British singer with the gravelly voice.  The Monaco resident, Shirley Bassey, was responsible for organizing the evening and a raffle with lots of prestige.

The princess looked lovely in a dress by Akris; moreover, it’s nice to see the Océan Tiara (as a necklace) for the for the first time on Princess Charlene.  Oh, yeah, Prince Albert looked nice too. Anyway… Other members of the princely family of Monaco attended including H.R.H. Princess Caroline, H.S.H. Princess Stephanie, and members from the de Massey as well as the Wittstock family.

To view photos of the event please click here and here. 

To read an article about the gala, from Europe 1.fr, please click here.  Another article here.

Source: L\’Express

Photos courtesy of: Daylife/Reuters/Eric Gaillard

The 63rd Annual Monaco Red Cross Ball is an event that many, especially royal watchers, look forward to each year and this season will be one to remember.  Why?  Well, it will be H.S.H. Princess Charlene’s first regal event as an official member of the princely family of Monaco.  Though it is highly unlikely, but I would be a fantastic time for the princess to wear the lovely Océan Tiara by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Anyway, the ball will be held tomorrow, August 5, at the Sporting d’Eté Club in the Salle des Etoiles with a special performance from Joe Cocker (the dude who sings the theme song from The Wonder Years television show).  Also, there will be an “…elegantly prepared meal…” and fireworks at the end of the evening.

Overall, the Monaco Red Cross Ball is a great event that raises money for various charities and anyone who is everyone attends this gala event.

Sources: Riviera Review, Riviera Times and Visit Monaco

On August 3, 2011, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco visited the exhibit, Fastes et Grandeur des Cours en Europe (Magnificence and Grandeur of the Royal Houses in Europe), in Monte-Carlo, Monaco this afternoon.

This special exhibit, held at the Grimaldi Forum:

… provide[s] visitors with a unique glimpse into the imperial homes of Europe’s most powerful and respected leaders and couples.

Never before seen as a collection, more than 600 artifacts will be on display within 2,500 square meters, providing a true ‘tour of Europe,’ which will allow visitors to explore the lives, roles and passions of personalities and couples who have marked the history of their dynasties and their countries. (source)

Royal houses represented include Denmark, Spain, Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway, Belgium and much much more.  To learn more about Fastes et Grandeur des Cours en Europe please visit the official website for the Grimaldi Forum here.  

To view photos from today’s event please click here.