Caroline of Monaco. Hostess of the Ball of the Rose: all the details and the best photos of a unique gala

The party and the glamor returned to Monaco. On Saturday the 25th, the Dance of the Rose was held, one of the most traditional events in the principality and in Europe. Since 1954 –the year in which it was celebrated for the first time–, the celebration has summoned the elite and international high society. And, this 2023 edition did not disappoint and both the call and the theme were a success. Just as in previous years the gala was inspired by London, Russia, Morocco and even the Movida in Madrid, this time the common thread was Bollywood, as the Indian film industry is known in the world. The artistic direction of the event was for the second time in charge of the designer Christian Louboutin, who always felt attracted to the Asian country. As has been the case since he relieved Karl Lagerfeldwho died in 2019, Louboutin returned to work side by side with the princess carolina, her friend and great hostess of this unique evening. Through the Ball of the Rose, money is raised to finance the humanitarian projects carried out by the Princess Grace Foundation, an organization chaired and promoted by the eldest daughter of Princes Raniero III and Grace of Monaco.

Carolina, escorted by Louboutin and her brother Alberto, at the entrance to the Salle des Étoiles of Sporting de Monte Carlo.foto: PIERRE VILLARD / SBM

The eldest daughter of Princes Raniero III and Grace of Monaco, who completed her look with Louboutin sandals (Emilie 100 model) and a clutch by Isabel Deckel, and Prince Albert. The Grimaldi brothers are president and vice president of the Princess Grace Foundation, respectively.Getty Images

Andrea Casiraghi, Princess Caroline, designer Christian Louboutin, Charlotte Casiraghi – who wore one of her grandmother Princess Grace's favorite accessories: long gloves – Tatiana Santo Domingo, Alberto de Monaco, Alexandra de Hannover and her husband Ben Sylvester Strautmann, Pierre Casiraghi and Beatrice Borromeo. — Andrea Casiraghi, Princess Caroline, designer Christian Louboutin, Charlotte Casiraghi – who wore one of her grandmother Princess Grace’s favorite accessories: long gloves – Tatiana Santo Domingo, Alberto de Monaco, Alexandra de Hannover and her husband Ben Sylvester Strautmann, Pierre Casiraghi and Beatrice Borromeo. Getty Images

MUMBAI IN MONACO

The music, flavors and color of India invaded the 1,000 square meters of the Salle des Étoiles (the Hall of the Stars) at Sporting Monte Carlo. And there was Carolina giving a lesson in elegance. Accompanied by her brother, the prince albertand for their four children, Pierre, Charlotte, Andrea y Alexandrathe princess received the singers Isabel Pantoja and Shirley Bassey and the athletes Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina, guests of honor this year.

Carolina's son, Pierre Casiraghi, and his wife, Beatrice Borromeo, were the first to arrive at the event. With a halter neckline, the black dress with tulle details by Dior (Cruise 2023 collection), the Italian aristocrat caused a sensation. The striking headband with beige and black flowers, the white gold earrings, yellow and white diamonds, and the rings were also by Dior. — Carolina’s son, Pierre Casiraghi, and his wife, Beatrice Borromeo, were the first to arrive at the event. With a halter neckline, the black dress with tulle details by Dior (Cruise 2023 collection), the Italian aristocrat caused a sensation. The striking headband with beige and black flowers, the white gold earrings, yellow and white diamonds, and the rings were also by Dior.foto: PIERRE VILLARD / SBM

Accompanied by her boyfriend Ben Sylvester Strautmann, Princess Alexandra of Hannover, Carolina's youngest daughter, opted for a total black outfit, red lipstick and a hairstyle that evoked her grandmother, Grace. — Accompanied by her boyfriend Ben Sylvester Strautmann, Princess Alexandra of Hannover, Carolina’s youngest daughter, opted for a total black outfit, red lipstick and a hairstyle that evoked her grandmother, Grace. Getty Images

Updo and soft makeup for Charlotte Casiraghi, who attended without her husband, film producer Dimitri Rassam. From Chanel, the brand for which she is an ambassador, was the straight dress, like the earrings, in white gold and diamonds (Comete model).Getty Images

Carolina was also in every detail. In the hall, which was inaugurated by Joséphine Baker in 1974, tables of pure luxury had been arranged for those who managed to have their place on that unique night (tickets sold out quickly and there was a waiting list). The decoration of the tables was inspired by saris, traditional clothing from South India. Of course, there was no shortage of floral arrangements for which some 12,000 roses, 6,000 carnations and jasmine garlands were used, chandeliers, candles with mandalas and red cushions on the chairs.

The Sporting Hall of Stars, decorated in full color with a Bollywood theme. foto: PIERRE VILLARD / SBM

The decoration of the tables was inspired by saris, traditional clothing from South India. Some 12,000 roses, 6,000 carnations and jasmine garlands were used for the floral arrangements.foto: PIERRE VILLARD / SBM

After the meal came performances and dancing. The Bassant group – along with choreographers Kamal Kant and Megha Jagawat, Paris Opera Ballet principal dancer Jérémy-Loup Quer and actor Punit J. Pathak – was one of the big draws. Then came the artist Narmada Madavane, who represented Bella, a show about a young Indian woman. When the Lebanese singer Mika – the author of “Grace Kelly”, one of the songs that gave him international recognition – took the stage, everyone came out to dance, from the guests to the Grimaldi-Casiraghi. The princesa Charlene, Alberto de Mónaco’s wife, was absent again. The last time she was at the Ball of the Rose was in 2014.