In the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Chair
of the Monaco Red Cross, accompanied by H.S.H. Princess Charlene and H.R.H. Princess
Caroline, this charity social event takes place every year in the Salle des
Etoiles of the Sporting Monte-Carlo.
History of the Monaco Red Cross Ball
In 1948 the young Prince Rainier III of Monaco chaired the first Gala of
the Monaco Red Cross, an organisation which had just been established by Prince
Louis II of Monaco. The principle, of course, was to contribute to funding
activity faithful to the spirit of the great humanist, Henry Dunant. That year,
the star was none other than Maurice Chevalier. But each year, the programme
rivals it in glamour, hosting a Christian Dior fashion show in 1952 and Zizi
Jeanmaire in 1953.
Princess Grace’s Presidency
Ten years after its inauguration, the Gala of the Monaco Red Cross had a change
of President… this time a woman: Princess Grace of Monaco. Under Her
presidency, the Gala hosted such glamorous names as Ella Fitzgerald (1959),
Sammy Davis Jr. (1961), Charles Trenet (1962), Sacha Distel (1963), Gilbert
Bécaud (1968), Charles Aznavour (1970) and Shirley Bassey (1971).
Josephine Baker’s Comeback
1974 marked an important stage: the Gala took place in the new Monte-Carlo
Sporting Club, providing a brand new stage for a great star making her final
comeback: Josephine Baker. At the age of 68, totally broke, she returned to the
stage a few months before her death.
In this new setting, Line Renaud (1975), Enrico Macias (1977), Gloria Gaynor
(1979) and Franck Sinatra (1980) each took their turn…
In 1982, Princess Grace’s accidental death brought her son, Prince Albert, to
take up the torch and it was under His Presidency that the Gala of the Monaco
Red Cross welcomed Elton John (1984), Liza Minnelli (1989), Tina Turner (1980),
Stevie Wonder (1994) and Lionel Richie (2004).
More than sixty years after its establishment, the Gala of the Monaco Red Cross
remains an institution which is very much alive, hosting a living legend for
its 2011 edition: Joe Cocker…
Charitable Action Par Excellence
This fabulous evening enables the Monaco Red Cross to express its gratitude
to its generous donors, and pay tribute to the action undertaken with the help
of the donations received: a means of funding its local and international activity.
A Glamorous Atmosphere and a Legendary Rendezvous
With its glamorous atmosphere and prestigious prizes…, the Gala starts with
the traditional drawing of the tombola, followed by a lavish meal of summer
flavours, at the end of which H.S.H. Prince Albert II opens the ball. The
sounds of the concert in aid of the Monaco Red Cross then echo from the walls
of the Salle des Etoiles…
Then, the traditional fireworks illuminate the sky of Monaco to the delight of
the guests. A marvellous way for them to continue the evening of a Ball which
still creates so many dreams …
For further information, go to the official site of the Monaco Red Cross.
Explore all the videos of the Monaco Red Cross Gala!