The Glamorous Royal Scene At The 75th Annual Red Cross Gala In Monaco

A night out in Monte-Carlo always promises to be oozing in Côte d'Azur chicness, but then there’s the night out: the Gala de la Croix Rouge, or the Red Cross Gala, benefiting the local organization. Hosted by His Serene Highness Prince Albert and Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene, the black tie affair is a storied party for a reason, bringing together world-class style for an unforgettable experience.     

Regarded as the crown jewel in the Monaguese summer social calendar, the charitable evening still has the same fairytale-type atmosphere and hallowed reputation as when Princess Grace presided over the gala from 1958 to 1982. The reins were handed to HSH Prince Albert in 1982, who has championed its legacy ever since. 

On Friday evening, attendees decamped from luxury vehicles in couture, diamonds, and tuxedos upon arrival at the legendary Salle des Etoiles venue. Once inside, guests hotfooted it to the terrace to drink in the views of the French Riviera during golden hour while clicking crystal flutes filled with Ruinart Champagne. 

As is tradition, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene were the last to arrive, meaning the festivities could truly begin once they took their seats. For the occasion, the South African-born Royal who has long been revered for her elegant style, opted for a pristine white Bardot-neckline gown by Louis Vuitton with a Bijou clutch bag from the maison. Adding a dazzling finish to complement her Hollywood waves, yellow diamond drop earrings by Graff glittered from her lobes. The couple were accompanied by budding philanthropist Camille Gottlieb, Princess Stephanie of Monaco's daughter and Princess Grace’s granddaughter, who was resplendent in a sparkling bordeaux-hued number by Serbian designer Liastublla.

Over ambient live music, a four-course dinner by Chef Thierry Saez Manzanares was served while the evening’s masters of ceremonies, stunning Belgian TV host Tatiana Silva and entrepreneur and former athlete Taïg Khris, took to the floor. Post-dessert, the duo presented the winners of six covetable lot prizes, including a scene-stealing Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces, a yacht experience, watches by Audemars Piguet and Dior, and even an Hermès Kelly bag, which was named, of course, in honor of Princess Grace in 1977. Speaking of the endearing fascination around the American actress-turned-royal, a video montage was beamed onto screens on the walls showing archival footage of the iconic Princess and other famous guests in all their historic glitz and glamor.

While only a handful would win the night’s actual prizes, there were plenty of special moments in store for the entire audience. First, the roof of the venue retracted to reveal a better glimpse at a spectacular fireworks display over the bay. Then, the equally-epic sounds of English funk band Jamiroquai would reverberate around the room as guests rose from their seats to dance. “This used to be easier when I was a young man,” the outfit’s singer Jay Kay jokingly told the crowd—his signature hat still omnipresent although now much smaller than in the group’s ‘90s and ‘00s heyday. The award-winning frontman’s voice still rang out crystal clear and his impressive dance moves across the stage proved why the opening beats of Space Cowboy are just as likely to get the party started now as when it was released in 1994. 

Also in attendance on the night were Dame Shirley Bassey, Pierre Dartout, Princess Alexandra, Madame Pierre Casiraghi, Madame Charlotte Casiraghi-Rassam, and Andrea Casiraghi.

[Photos courtesy Red Cross Gala]