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The Monaco Grand Prix, the Rose Ball and the Red Cross Gala: the Monégasque social calendar’s trifecta of prestige.
Serving as the pinnacle of black tie elegance, Monaco‘s Red Cross Gala — or the Gala de la Croix-Rouge Monégasque, in French — is the yearly flagship fundraiser for the Monaco Red Cross, which, from 1958 to 1982, was presided over by none other than Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco. Cut to the evening of July 18, 2026: Even without the Oscar-winning movie star’s physical presence, the Old Hollywood glamour at the 77th annual charity ball was palpable.
Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco (aka Grace Kelly) arrive at Sporting Monte-Carlo for the annual Red Cross Gala on July 19, 1958 .
Courtesy of AFP via Getty Images
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco arrive at Sporting Monte-Carlo for the annual Red Cross Gala on July 18, 2026.
Courtesy of The Red Cross
On Saturday night at the Sporting Monte-Carlo, esteemed guests eagerly awaited the arrival of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, son and daughter-in-law of Grace Kelly and respective President and Vice-President of the Red Cross Society’s Monaco branch. Charlene, Princess of Monaco, statuesque as ever, channeled the timeless style of her late mother-in-law in a custom-made Elie Saab golden draped gown. The couple was joined by niece Camille Gottlieb, one of Kelly’s 11 grandchildren, plus the evening’s hosting duo, actress and model Estelle Lefébure and actor and comedian Michel Boujenah.
Following arrivals, guests glided through a sea of white tablecloths to dine on a multi-course meal imagined by three-Michelin-starred chef Marcel Ravin. And while only one lucky winner walked away with the gala’s grand prize, a Cartier Grain de Café jewelry set fit with 58 total diamonds, every guest in attendance went home with a generous parting gift from the luxury House, a supple leather cardholder stamped with the Double C emblem.
The gala’s grand prize, a Cartier Grain de Café jewelry set, gifted by the luxury House.
Courtesy of The Red Cross
On the heels of an otherworldly fireworks show and ahead of the jazz-inspired after party, guests enjoyed the world premiere of SOUL! Where Legends Come Back. This dance-inducing live show, which traces the journey of African-American music, is the newest original production by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), the luxury hospitality and entertainment company that doubles as the annual gala’s organizer and venue host. In many ways, SBM feels like — and, quite honestly, is — the brain behind much of Monaco’s social, cultural and hotel scene, with the sovereign city-state sitting at under one square mile.
SBM’s crown jewel has to be the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, a palatial escape located at Place du Casino in Monte Carlo, smack dab in the heart of Monaco. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most luxurious properties, Hôtel de Paris is every bit as breathtakingly lavish as you’d hope and expect. It, therefore, only makes sense that a conveyor belt of black cars promptly escorted guests from their accommodations and pre-event drinks to the main festivities at the Sporting Monte-Carlo.
So what’s next on the Principality of Monaco’s social calendar? Well, you’ll have to consult Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s extensive annual agenda. But for now, a few more highlights from the 77th annual Monaco Red Cross Gala.
Camille Gottlieb arrives at 77th annual Monaco Red Cross Gala on July 18, 2026.
Courtesy of The Red Cross
Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II dance alongside guests at 77th annual Monaco Red Cross Gala on July 18, 2026.
Courtesy of The Red Cross
Returning to Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo with the Cartier gift bag.
Courtesy of Erin Lassner
