The only royal family on the planet that would not look out of place in an immersive decoration inspired by the galactic universe are the Grimaldi, the dynasty that has reigned for over eight centuries in the Principality of Monaco. And that's what they have shown this Saturday at the 70th edition of their Bal de la Rose, the glamorous evening that kicks off the social life in the tiny Mediterranean nation every March, projecting to the world a fascinating idea of the dolce vita that in times as turbulent as these never fails to evoke the world of yesterday, as Stefan Zweig would say. A radiant Princess Charlene did not want to miss this round commemoration this time, although at the Bal de la Rose, no one shines like its promoter, her sister-in-law Princess Caroline.
The Grimaldi family has brought out the heavy artillery for such a round event, once again under the direction of designer Christian Louboutin, always with the memory of Princess Grace very present, after all, it was she who turned the Rose Ball into one of the most media-covered events in Europe.
Alberto II, Charlene, and Carolina, who act as hosts, are accompanied by two of Princess of Hanover's children, with their respective partners: Pierre Casiraghi and his wife, the beautiful Beatriz Borromeo, and the youngest, Alexandra - also daughter of the ineffable Ernesto of Hanover - with her boyfriend, Ben Sylvester Strautmann.
One sorely missed presence was Carolina's eldest daughter, Carlota Casiraghi, as it would have been the perfect occasion to officialize her relationship with French writer Nicolas Mathieu.
The Sporting MonteCarlo has been transformed into a monochromatic spaceship, with a completely redesigned Salle des Étoiles. Luminous portholes that changed color according to the planets visited throughout the night, immersive sound effects, laser shows, and a very original lighting that simulated a constant journey through the cosmos were incorporated.
In this case, the Monegasque family had as its most illustrious special guest at the gala the attendance of Princess Akiko of Mikasa, who is currently on an official visit to the Principality, participating in various events. A distant cousin of Emperor Naruhito, Akiko is a member of the reigning family in Japan and recently became the first woman in two centuries to lead one of the branches of the imperial family, in this case the Mikasa branch, assuming the leadership without inheriting it due to widowhood, as happened to her grandmother, Princess Yuriko - who passed away in November 2024 at the age of 101 - whom she succeeds. It is worth noting that the strict rules prevailing in the Japanese dynasty lead to a princess losing her status and being removed from the dynasty automatically upon marriage. In Akiko's case, at least to date, she has chosen to embrace singlehood, and therefore not only leads this House but has become one of the most active females in the aging imperial family.
The evening features performances by the Rondò Veneziano ensemble, the iconic dancers of the Crazy Horse, the Kalinka ballet, and Berlin stilt walkers. And to liven up the dance floor, the legendary 80s group Imagination (led by Leee John) has been chosen to close the show. DJ Josh Quinton is in charge of keeping the dance floor lively until the early hours, the moment when all the Grimaldi let loose as anyone would.
Among the numerous attendees at this 70th edition of the Rose Ball, notable figures include Formula One driver Charles Leclerc with his wife Alexandra, Lady Kitty Spencer, Duke Jorge of Russia, along with his wife Rebecca, and the Dukes of Castro, residents in the Principality and inseparable from the Grimaldi family.
This event is one of the main economic supports for the Princess Grace Foundation. Last year, the evening raised 400,000 euros. The funds support families of hospitalized children in 65 centers in France and Monaco (transport, accommodation, and medical care), in addition to contributing to pediatric research, as highlighted by its organizers.