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The Monaco Grand Prix, the Rose Ball, and the Red Cross Gala: the trifecta of prestige on the Monaco social calendar.
Considered the pinnacle of black-tie elegance, the Monaco Red Cross Gala – or Gala de la Croix-Rouge Monégasque in French, is the annual major fundraising gala for the Monaco Red Cross, which was chaired, from 1958 to 1982, by 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 glamor of the 77th annual charity gala was palpable.
On Saturday night at Sporting Monte Carlo, distinguished guests eagerly awaited the arrival of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, the son and daughter-in-law of Grace Kelly and the president and vice-president of the Monaco branch of the Red Cross Society. Charlene, Princess of Monaco, looking radiant as ever, channeled the timeless style of her late mother-in-law in a custom-made Elie Saab dress with golden pleats. The couple was joined by his niece Camille Gottlieb, one of Kelly’s 11 grandchildren, as well as the evening’s host duo, actress and model Estelle Lefebure and actor and comedian Michel Bogina.
After their arrival, guests slid across a sea of white tablecloths for a multi-course meal designed by three-Michelin-starred Chef Marcel Ravin. While only one winner took home the grand prize of the event, a Cartier Grain de Café jewelry set studded with 58 diamonds, each guest in attendance went home with a generous parting gift from the luxury house: a flexible leather card holder stamped with the Double C logo.
Following an otherworldly fireworks display and before the jazz-inspired party, guests enjoyed the world premiere of the film spirit! Where legends return. This dance-inducing live show, which traces the journey of African American music, is the latest original production by Monte Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), the luxury hospitality and entertainment company that also serves as organizer and host of the annual gala. In many ways, SBM feels like – quite frankly, He is – the mastermind behind much of Monaco’s social, cultural and hotel scene, where the sovereign city-state lies less than one square mile.
SBM’s crown jewel has to be the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, a luxurious retreat located on the Place du Casino in Monte Carlo, in the heart of Monaco. Widely considered one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, the Hôtel de Paris is as stunningly luxurious as you would hope and expect. Therefore, it makes sense that a conveyor belt of black cars would instantly escort guests from their accommodations and pre-event drinks to the main festivities at Sporting Monte Carlo.
So, what’s next on the social calendar for the Principality of Monaco? Well, you’ll have to consult the expanded annual agenda of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. But for now, here are some highlights from the 77th Annual Monaco Red Cross Gala.
