Why does the Rose Ball continue leave us spellbound?

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.

The most glamorous event of the year  

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 Bal de la Rose celebrates the Disco era

The Rose Ball, a symbol of glamour in Monte-Carlo, took place on Saturday night, March 23, at the sumptuous Salle des Étoiles of the Sporting Monte-Carlo. For this new edition of the Bal de la Rose 2024, H.R.H. The Princess of Hanover, choose the theme Disco, and gave to Christian Louboutin, free rein to imagine it. A wind of glitter blew over Monaco! This year, guests travelled back in time to the crazy days of Disco. The Salle des Etoiles sparkled with a thousand lights and was decked out in its finest disco balls for an evening of « Back to the Future”. This event benefited the Princess Grace Foundation with the participation of Stéphane Bern. For this exceptional occasion, Shangela and Chad Michaels, two wonderful drag-queens straight from the 80s, took the stage to perform the greatest hits of two Disco icons: Donna Summer and Cher. Renowned choreographer Sadeck Berrabah and his dancers performed the greatest hits of the 80s, before giving way to the iconic Gloria Gaynor for a grand finale! Charly Voodoo, undisputed master of cabaret, also performed for a spectacular show. A dreamlike ambiance to the delight of spectators.

Beautiful 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 to beat them all  

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! 

Expect top performers  

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. 

A very special dinner  

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 evening devoted to giving  

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.  

A highly popular event  

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