Princess Caroline's striking daughter and Gucci model Charlotte Casiraghi was the star attraction of last year's Rosa Ball, when she took to the dance floor at the 'Swinging Sixties' themed gala with a group of girlfriends. Charlotte, 26, was stunning in an elegant ice blue Chanel couture gown, accessorising with beautiful drop diamond earrings and a clutch bag to match, at the annual event which has taken place every year since 1964 at the express desire of Princess Grace of Monaco, and proceeds of which go to the Grace Kelly Foundation.In 2011 Princess Rainier's granddaughter opted for a demure black Lanvin gown, and the year before she looked Princess-perfect in another gorgeous champagne silk Chanel couture dress.
Prince Albert's gorgeous wife Princess Charlene is another royal who never fails in the sartorial stakes. Last year she was a sight for sore eyes wearing a strapless black gown with a gold lamé bodice.What will the stunning royals wear this year? On Saturday the Rose Ball celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Société des Bains de Mer of Monte Carlo, and for the landmark occasion fashion maestro Karl Lagerfeld has been called in.The highly esteemed designer will focus on two very contrasting musical styles and moods for one of the world's most glamourous social fixtures, attended annually by aristocrats, jet setters and millionaires. An historic Belle Epoque era, the French 'golden age' at the turn of the 20th century, will be the opening theme of the night, later moving on to modern-day Pop. Beginning with the Prague Concert Philharmonic, the evening’s ambience will transform when British songstress Rita Ora takes to the stage, followed by Theophilus London and DJ Caroline de Maigret. A cinematic interlude in black and white will complete the evening, portraying Monaco in the Belle Epoque period through iconic films, and finally, a tombola said to be hosted by 2012's Model of the Year Cara Delevingne and Stéphane Bern.
One of the most glamourous events in the Monegasque calendar, the charity dance unites the Grimaldi family and special guests at Monte Carlo's Sporting Club and follows a different theme each year.In 2012 the Grimaldis got the prestigious Sporting Club venue rocking with a London in the Swinging Sixties vibe, complete with pictures of Twiggy and Paul McCartney. While shaking their stuff to tunes by rocker Pete Doherty, guests raised nearly €300,000 for the Princess Grace foundation.The previous year, Charlotte, along with her brothers Andrea and Pierre, hosted the Motown-themed benefit. Prince Albert and his then-fiancée Charlene were absent from the soiree, along with Princesses Caroline and Stephanie, following the death of Albert's aunt Princess Antoinette, Prince Rainier III's eldest sister, at the age of 90.Demonstrating the elegance, beauty and poise Charlotte has inherited from her mother and late grandmother, Grace Kelly, the Gucci model opted for a demure black Lanvin gown. Caroline's eldest son Andrea and his American girlfriend Tatiana Santo Domingo are the family members who may not be able to attend the annual event on Saturday. Andrea, 28, and his partner of seven years Tatiana, 29, are expecting their first child, the arrival of which is reportedly just weeks away. In line with tradition, Prince Albert's sister Princess Caroline chooses the theme for the annual Rose Ball - the highlight of the principality's spring social calendar. Past themes have included the Swinging Sisties, Motown, gypsy lifestyle and Arabian nights.
