It would have been Charlene Wittstock's first appearance at Monaco's annual Rose Ball as the principality's future princess. But she and her fiancé Prince Albert, were absent at Saturday's soiree, along with Princesses Caroline and Stephanie.Their decision not to attend the gala followed the sad death of Albert's aunt Princess Antoinette, Prince Ranier III's eldest sister, on Friday at the age of 90.Instead, it fell to the glamorous members of the younger generation to represent the family.
Caroline's daughter Charlotte Casiraghi and her two brothers Andrea and Pierre hosted the 2011 benefit, which has taken place every year since 1964 at the express desire of Princess Grace of Monaco.And they did so with aplomb.Charlotte, 24, once again demonstrated the elegance, beauty and poise she has inherited from her mother and late grandmother in a black Lanvin gown as she arrived with her siblings.The pressure of fulfilling such an important official duty on behalf of their uncle was not lost of the trio, who had their respective partners providing some extra support.
Charlotte's boyfriend Alex Dellal shared a table with Tatiana Santo Domingo, the girlfriend of 26-year-old Andrea, and Beatrice Borromeo, 23-year-old Pierre's long-term love.The theme of this year's benefit ball was dedicated to Motown. Images from Detroit – the birthplace of Motown music – decorated the Sporting Club venue while revellers hit the dancefloor to songs from the legendary label.Other guests in Monte Carlo included Dame Shirley Bassey, Margherita Missoni, heiress of the luxury Italian brand, and music legends, the Temptations.