Why does the Rose Ball continue leave us spellbound?

Contents

1. Origins and prestige: Unveiling the roots of this glamourous event
2. The Rose Ball Sunset, all in exoticism
3. The artisans of excellence: behind the scenes of the Bal de la Rose Sunset
4. The ball's most pretty red carpet looks
5. A show orchestrated by Christian Louboutin
6. Top performers for the Rose Ball show
7. An remarkable dinner during the Rose Ball in Monaco
8. An exceptional charity evening

Origins and prestige: Unveiling the roots of this glamourous event

As the photographers’ cameras flash, the jet set and celebrities make their entrance. The Rose Ball is a key date in the diary for high-profile people, first and foremost Monaco’s royal family. The event is born in 1954, hosted by Henry Astric, Artistic Director of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, supported by his friends. In 1957, this high society gathering took on an international aura when Princess Grace invited theatre designer André Levasseur, and the sensual dancer Colette Marchand, to present a major ballet. In 1964, the gala became a charity event with the creation of the Princess Grace Foundation, which spearheads humanitarian actions to help children. 

This event is now presided over by her daughter, HRH Princess Caroline of Hanover. She traditionally opens the ball alongside her brother, HSH Prince Albert II. The evening is lent a special magic by members of the Grimaldi family (Monaco’s aristocracy) and stars from the worlds of film, music, sport and television. International stars are all in attendance, including Dita Von Teese, Naomi Campbell, Carla Bruni, Pedro Almodovar and many others. 

The Rose Ball Sunset, all in exoticism

An evening like a firework of flavors, colors, rhythms, and dance. The Rose Ball Sunset, commissioned by Princess Caroline and organized by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, brought together around eight hundred guests at the Salle des Étoiles of the Sporting Monte-Carlo on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

Upon arrival, the princely couple and the Princess of Hanover, accompanied by the Deputy President of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, Stéphane Valeri, the Interim Minister of State Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, and Françoise Dumas, who orchestrates the Rose Ball each year, set the festive tone.

Dressed in a floral-print blazer, Christian Louboutin, who designed this grand event in support of the Princess Grace Foundation, created a highly colorful setting. For this fourth Rose Ball under his artistic direction, the renowned red-soled shoe designer masterfully blended all the elements for an event that kicks off the beautiful season in Monte-Carlo.

Inside the hall, a beach-like atmosphere… in tuxedos and evening gowns! Cabanas, tables draped with 750 meters of glowing madras fabric, exotic flower bouquets, two giant screens broadcasting tropical-inspired images, and a floral projection mapping across the room provided the perfect decor to imagine being on a Caribbean island.

After a Tropical Sunset cocktail, dishes prepared through the collaboration of Chef Thierry Saez-Manzanares and the Sporting Monte-Carlo teams, and crafted by Chef Marcel Ravin, featured the flavors of his native Martinique. On the menu: dombré de Fouyapin, lobster, pigeon peas, sea bream in coconut water, marinated, smoked, and grilled beef with sweet potato and cassava, and a chocolate and passion fruit dessert.

On stage, after the traditional raffle hosted by Stéphane Bern, the dancers of Blanca Li, the Kozika Panam choir, Ebony Steel Band, and the groove of the American group Earth, Wind & Fire by McKay got the guests swaying to the rhythm.

And as tradition dictates, the princely family opened the ball: Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, the Princess of Hanover and her two daughters, Alexandra and Charlotte. Also in attendance were Andrea and Tatiana Casiraghi, as well as Béatrice Casiraghi.

The artisans of excellence: behind the scenes of the Bal de la Rose Sunset

If the Bal de la Rose dazzles its guests year after year, it is thanks to the dedication and talent of those working behind the scenes to transform this event into an unforgettable experience. Behind the shimmering lights, the sumptuous décor, and the exquisite cuisine, passionate and devoted teams come together with a single goal: excellence.

From the first sketches of the setting imagined by Christian Louboutin, decorators and technicians brought a tropical ambiance to life, transforming the Salle des Étoiles into an exotic paradise. Every detail, from the carefully arranged beach cabanas and vibrant madras table linens to the floral projection mapping, was designed to transport guests to a faraway island.

Backstage, the chefs and kitchen brigades of the Sporting Monte-Carlo, under the direction of Chef Marcel Ravin, took on the challenge of crafting a menu bursting with authenticity and flavors inspired by Martinique.

As night fell, another choreography unfolded, executed with perfect precision: that of the maître d’s, waiters, and sommeliers, who ensured impeccable and elegant service. Every gesture, from the meticulous plating to the graceful ballet of cocktail glasses, contributed to the enchantment of the evening.

While the music filled the air and the dance floor came alive, technical teams, sound engineers, and lighting designers worked discreetly to ensure every note and every beam of light enhanced the moment.

Above all, the Bal de la Rose is a celebration of refinement and craftsmanship. But beyond the glamour, it is the result of collective effort, driven by excellence and the passion of those who, year after year, make it a truly exceptional event.

The ball's most pretty red carpet looks

The dress code for the Rose Ball is evening gowns for the ladies and black tie for the gentlemen, so prepare to be dazzled! Every year, attendees shine in sophisticated outfits that are as elegant as they are refined. Pieces by great designers, including Chanel, Dior and Saint Laurent, all stake their claim on the spotlight and are often inspired by the evening’s theme evoking a particular culture or era. The royal family’s gowns are, of course, some of the most avidly scrutinised, including the dresses worn by Charlotte Casiraghi and Beatrice Borromeo, wife of Pierre Casiraghi, both of whom have become genuine fashion icons. Who can forget the elegant Roaring Twenties-style white Chanel dress worn by Charlotte Casiraghi at the jazz age-inspired 2022 event? 

A show orchestrated by Christian Louboutin

Each annual event has its own unique live entertainment devised by a major name from the art and culture world. Karl Lagerfeld served as artistic director for many years, leading landmark shows themed around Cuba, Manhattan and Swinging London, to name but a few. In recent years, Christian Louboutin has taken the reins in his flamboyant style, as exemplified at the 2023 Bollywood evening. For the show’s duration, dance, music and a fabulous décor dotted with thousands of roses transport guests into a world one can normally only dream of. It takes place in one of Europe's finest venues, the Salle des Étoiles at Sporting Monte-Carlo. It is the kind of experience one can only describe as magical! 

Top performers for the Rose Ball show

The Rose Ball’s exceptional live entertainment is topped off by performances by some very special guests. Famous singers and DJs are helping to spread the Rose Ball’s renown. Singer Mika took top billing in 2023. Past years have seen performances from singers Imany and HollySiz, as well as Britons Rita Ora, Lily Allen and Mark Ronson and the reggae legend Jimmy Cliff. Renowned dancers including Jérémy-Loup Quer from the Paris Opera and prestigious orchestras such as the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Prague Concert Philharmonic bring their own talents to this grand spectacle. 

An remarkable dinner during the Rose Ball in Monaco

The evening includes a luxurious dinner, live entertainment and an opening dance. The tables are elegantly laid with a succession of dishes in keeping with the evening's theme. Guests can relish a premier meal superbly prepared thanks to the culinary skills of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.  

An exceptional charity evening  

The Rose Ball is a major charity event organised in aid of the Princess Grace Foundation chaired by HRH Princess Caroline of Hanover since 1983. Proceeds from the evening's events - including a raffle with a very special set of prizes - support humanitarian programmes aimed at helping children and paediatric research. As major source of funding for the Foundation, the Rose Ball raised almost €295,000 in 2022.  

Rose Ball 2024 : Book your seats !

If you would like to experience the thrill of one of Monaco’s biggest events alongside more than 800 guests, you can book your place at the Rose Ball 2024. Admission includes dinner, raffle tickets, live entertainment and the ball itself. Both evening gowns for ladies and evening jackets for gentlemen are compulsory, so it is also advisable to reserve your outfit ahead of time as demand is high every year. 

Find out more about events taking place in the Principality of Monaco 

The great charity event known as the Rose Ball has been taking place in Monaco for almost 70 years. This early spring soirée is one of the Principality's most popular annual festivities. Far beyond being a run-of-the-mill social occasion, it is as highly anticipated by the public as it is watched by the press, drawing in various stars and celebrities. Below, we take a closer look at an unmissable VIP event which never fails to charm.