Inside the Monaco Red Cross Gala, Where Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene Danced Past 1 AM
On Saturday night in Monte-Carlo, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco and Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene danced well past 1 AM at the annual Croix-Rouge Monégasque Gala—the Monaco Red Cross’s most glamorous event and a highlight of the principality’s summer social calendar. Joining them was Camille Gottlieb, daughter of Princess Stéphanie and granddaughter of Grace Kelly, who reunited with her uncle and aunt for the late-night revelry.
“The Monaco Red Cross Gala is an opportunity for us to come together around a cause that is dear to us—a cause that touches us deeply,” Gottlieb told Vogue exclusively in a written statement. “And of course, the evening is even better if we can add some family time.”
Other members of the royal family in attendance included Gottlieb’s brother Louis Ducruet and his wife, Marie Chevallier. Established in 1948 by Prince Louis II, the gala has long served as the flagship fundraising event for Monaco’s chapter of the international humanitarian agency. Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace presided over the event in decades past, and today, under the leadership of Prince Albert, the organization continues to fund local social welfare programs and international relief efforts. Over the years, the gala has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious charity events, drawing Hollywood royalty like Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, and Jackie Onassis.
This year’s 76th edition proved one for the history books. Princess Charlene, Vice-President of the Red Cross, arrived in an ethereal pleated silk-georgette gown by Elie Saab, accessorized with a dazzling diamond necklace. During the evening, she surprised guests by taking the stage to honor Prince Albert—not only for his 40 years of dedication to the Red Cross but to mark the 20th anniversary of his accession to the throne. (He officially became Monaco’s ruler on July 12, 2005, following the death of Prince Rainier III.)
“Today marks exactly the 20th anniversary of your accession,” Charlene said to her husband, seated in the crowd. “Twenty years ago, you took the reins of the Principality, and since that day, you have guided Monaco with wisdom, courage, and determination. In international politics, you are a steady and value-based force that embodies the importance of soft power through your engagement for the environment.”
She added, personally: “Albert, you know that I am always by your side, along with the Monégasques. We are standing with you, with all our hearts, to protect Monaco and its future under your leadership. We love you, we support you, and we thank you for being there for all of us.” She concluded, raising a toast: “Let’s raise our glass to our Prince—to you, Albert!”
Following her speech, 10 members of the Prince’s Carabinieri—Monaco’s military guard—performed a moving a cappella version of the Monégasque anthem. Prince Albert sang along from his seat, visibly touched.
Around 800 distinguished guests attended the soirée, dressed in black-tie attire and dripping in jewels, gathering beneath the retractable roof of Monte-Carlo’s famed Salle des Étoiles ballroom, with its panoramic views of the Riviera. Tables, decorated with 5,000 bushels of vibrant red and pink flamingo flowers, set the stage for a four-course meal by chef Thierry Saez Manzanares: caviar tartlets, seafood platters, wagyu steak, and a white chocolate–raspberry crisp for dessert.
Just before dessert, the gala’s anticipated charity raffle began, hosted by French ballet dancer Aurélie Dupont and journalist Harry Roselmack. Coveted prizes included a two-night stay in a sea-view suite at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, a Lady Dior lambskin handbag, Repossi diamond jewels, and an Audemars Piguet timepiece.
“What I love most about the Monaco Red Cross Gala is the event itself—the preparations, the guests in their gala outfits, the raffle prizes, the dinner, where I meet people from Red Cross organizations around the world,” said Gottlieb, who wore a custom black-and-white Elisabetta Franchi gown inspired by a dress worn by her grandmother, Princess Grace. “And seeing the generosity of people in raising funds for the Monaco Red Cross.”