Red Cross Ball, Monaco: 2005 - 2019, 2021 - 2024

[pruts]

What are we supposed to comment on the party, apart fron the dresses. I´m curious.

Some members of this forum seem to be intimi and close friends of Stephanie's. They know for sure, for instance, that "She's true to herself, hard working, loyal, very supportive to her family, intelligent, faithful, sensitive and amazingly generous."

As they know the princess so well and they are so blinded by their love for her, they do not allow other forum members, who only can comment on the looks of the princess because they only know her from her photographs, to give their opinion.

 

[sebastian]

As you are refering to me, pruts, I can only tell you I'm not the one to call the shots her when it comes to allow whatever it may be. I just can't stand comments like: " She has no class or dignity" because this simply is something you don't say about a person, whoever this person is , it's disrespectful. I would have given the same response if the talk was about Caroline, Charlotte or Charlene.

 

[Moonmaiden23]

I made the observation that she is true to herself. I stand by it.

I do not like many of the choices Stephanie has made with her life...in fact I have been horrified, angry and baffled by most of them.

But it is HER life and she has done brave and good things as well...she is not the Anti-Christ because she dressed badly at the Red Cross Ball.

 

[Lakshmi]

Is it real? Tom Jones lands record £3.1million for Monaco Red Cross concert - mirror.co.uk
Tom Jones got 3.1 millions UK pounds for his concert at Red Cross ball in MC. It is $ 4.9 millions.

Later this article states: Billionaire owners of Monte Carlo's hotels, casinos and restaurants threw the concert, raising more than £10million for the Red Cross to help victims of floods in Tanzania and the Haiti earthquake.

It is "Mirror" online, a rag, so I don't know if we can trust it.

I've just found more reliable source: http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1575083.php/Tom-Jones-gets-3-1m-for-charity-gig
It confirms info about payout to Tom Jones.
​

 

[Moonmaiden23]

Why on Earth did they pay him that astronomical sum??!

 

[pruts]

As you are refering to me, pruts, I can only tell you I'm not the one to call the shots her when it comes to allow whatever it may be. I just can't stand comments like: " She has no class or dignity" because this simply is something you don't say about a person, whoever this person is , it's disrespectful. I would have given the same response if the talk was about Caroline, Charlotte or Charlene.

One is allowed, Sebastian, to say about a person "She has no class or dignity". Is is called "freedom of speech". However, that is not my opinion about Stephanie. In fact, I do not have an opinion about her as a human being, because I do not know her. Her many "good works" do not impress me, all "royals" do charity, not much else to do, is there?

My point is that what comes to mind looking at her photographs: that she does not look good, old, too tanned (which looks very common by the way) and that she has absolutely no taste in clothing, will be repeated over and over again on this forum, because the members can ONLY comment on how she looks. Moreover, it is understandable that one wonders how she, with all her possibilities, manages to look this bad!

 

[sebastian]

One is allowed, Sebastian, to say about a person "She has no class or dignity". Is is called "freedom of speech". However, that is not my opinion about Stephanie. In fact, I do not have an opinion about her as a human being, because I do not know her. Her many "good works" do not impress me, all "royals" do charity, not much else to do, is there?

My point is that what comes to mind looking at her photographs: that she does not look good, old, too tanned (which looks very common by the way) and that she has absolutely no taste in clothing, will be repeated over and over again on this forum, because the members can ONLY comment on how she looks. Moreover, it is understandable that one wonders how she, with all her possibilities, manages to look this bad!

I didn't say that it isn't allowed to say such things about a person. I know very well what freedom of speech is ... all I was saying is that in the way I was raised this is simply something you don't do! Even less if you don't know the person. And if you don't even care for her ... well ... no words...

About Stephanie looking 'soooo bad' ... as always this is a question of personal taste....Is she a little too tanned) Yup!! But whatever it is she has that I love it is there ... there's a glow, something very very charming... I understand that not everyone sees it that way...thats alright because, as already said, it's a matter of pesonal taste ... but the way some people talk or write about her is just offending to me...sorry if that bugs you...

 

[Renata4711]

I agree with you, Sebastian.

Stephanie is a charming woman, a devoted mum to her kids and step-kids.

With the help of others, she has created a centre for people with HIV/AIDS.

Her dress at the Croix-Rouge was the kind of dress she likes.

Let's stop "bashing" Stephanie of Monaco.

 

[Zonk]

It's time to move on.


Zonk
Monaco Forums Moderator

 

[FanofMonaco]

I wonder if Tom Jones was paid a % of the take. Otherwise, why would you pay someone that kind of money for a charity event. Also, it used to be 1,000 Euros a ticket. Sounds like that has changed. No wonder there were empty seats. I hope he donated alot of the money back. It does sound like they raised alot more money than usual and it was for a very good cause.

 

[Renata4711]

An interview by ex-coal miner Tom Jones in 2008 in the "Guardian" (British quality rag):

On song: Tom Jones talks to Simon Hattenstone | Music | The Guardian

 

[foursox]

The dress is made by J.I.K.I, who is actually a friend of Stephanies.
She's been making Steph's dresses for years now.
You can find the dress in her online-catalogue here ( page 180 ).
JIKI's website here.

well done sebastian; and good for S to be different to all the well known brands. no doubt she is supporting her friend and the gown in the catalogue looks beautiful.

Finally Caroline for the 2 straight year she has not shown up to this huge event I hope atleast next year she will be present to support just a great and worthy cause as this.

i thought caro was at the last ball? she must still be on holidays with alexanda; does anyone know? Stephanie has always dressed differently, so why doesnt everyone just accept it; she looks petrified at some of these events and probably is! due to people criticising her? she looked ok in the dress and supports her designer friend wearing something 'different'. Charlene looked magnificent and albert looks so very happy these days.

Caroline is in Corsica. I suspect she felt like it wasn't worth her time. .

i imagine caro is spending precious time on holidays as she has been very busy and also time with her daughter A, not because "she felt like it wasnt worth her time". S would have been asked to fill in for her knowing that Caro wasnt going to be there.

 

[Lakshmi]

I wonder if Tom Jones was paid a % of the take. Otherwise, why would you pay someone that kind of money for a charity event. Also, it used to be 1,000 Euros a ticket. Sounds like that has changed. No wonder there were empty seats. I hope he donated alot of the money back. It does sound like they raised alot more money than usual and it was for a very good cause.

It did not changed. I saw official info:http://www.visitmonaco.com/de/Die-Presseakten/Enchante-moi-Monaco/Red-Cross-Ball-in-the-Salle-des-Etoiles-Price-1,000€

Red Cross Gala Ball 2010 - CityOut Monaco

So, anyone could call and buy a ticket starting at 1,000 Euros. It would explain why some controversial person could so easily get here.

 

[goody7058]

The ticket was very high and alot of people didn't want to pay for the ticket. And Nicole is not controversial they didn't even make a big deal she was there. She sat away from the camera.

 

[Thtregoddess11]

i thought caro was at the last ball? she must still be on holidays with alexanda; does anyone know? Stephanie has always dressed differently, so why doesnt everyone just accept it; she looks petrified at some of these events and probably is! due to people criticising her? she looked ok in the dress and supports her designer friend wearing something 'different'. Charlene looked magnificent and albert looks so very happy these days.

No-Caro hasn't been seen at the Red Cross Ball since 2008.
No idea, but that could very well be possible. Possibly both her daughters as Charlotte's birthday just past.
I agree. I'm not fond of Steph's dress myself, but I agree with you-she probably is petrified at some of these events.
I also agree...Albert and Charlene look amazing and REALLY happy these days...

 

[Thecia]

i imagine caro is spending precious time on holidays as she has been very busy and also time with her daughter A, not because "she felt like it wasnt worth her time". S would have been asked to fill in for her knowing that Caro wasnt going to be there.

Sorry? Stephanie always goes to the Red Cross Ball. She wasn't "filling in" for anybody.
As for Caroline - we're sort of saying the same thing. I think that Caroline saw spending time to herself and with her family as more important than going to the ball, ergo it was less worthy of her time.

Elton was obviously attending the event where that picture was taken.

Elton performed at the ball along with Tom and Julio. Sean Paul performed too. I don't like his marching band style outfit but that's just a personal opinion.

 

[Renata4711]

I don't think Caroline is duty-bound to attend the Croix-Rouge.

She gives a lot of time and effort to "her" ball, the Bal de la Rose.

 

[FanofMonaco]

I think PC is slowly pulling back and trying to let Charlene get all of the attention.

 

[agogo]

What are we supposed to comment on the party, apart fron the dresses. I´m curious.

Ok, the table settings were lovely; the music must have been fun vintage Tom Jones. The ambience was 2010 Monte Carlo. The menu made my mouth water. Oh yes, there must have been water somewhere, between the limousine drop-off of the princely family and the entrance into the ball. The two royal ladies of honor stepped into water and the hems of their dresses were wet.

The guests looked sophisticated and elegant. Charity money was raised for the less fortunate and a good time was had by all despite the wet royal couture dresses.

YouTube - ‪Charlene Wittstock und das kleine Gerücht‬‎

Look at 1:54

 

[Lakshmi]

well done sebastian; and good for S to be different to all the well known brands. no doubt she is supporting her friend and the gown in the catalogue looks beautiful.

It is great that Stephanie supports her friends. I looked through the entire catalog Sebastian posted; many beautiful outfits, although many too sexy. Steph could have easily found something not that tacky, I saw in this catalog many really appropriate evening gowns that would make Stephanie looking stunning. But again, she just made a bad choice.

 

[selket]

The dress is made by J.I.K.I, who is actually a friend of Stephanies.
She's been making Steph's dresses for years now.
You can find the dress in her online-catalogue here ( page 180 ).
JIKI's website here.

The dress definitely looks way better in motion than in a static photo lit by the glare of countless flashbulbs coming from all directions.

The fact that Stephanie's dress is made by a friend is the soul of what many have been saying here on this thread: that she is her own loyal, giving, unique self, not a clotheshorse.

You can also see some other dresses in the catalog that she has worn previously, with great success, like 192 and 198.

 

[Elly C]

I was lucky to be holidaying in the Monaco area when the Red Cross Ball was held. I didnt try to see the royal family because in previous years I have only been able to get a slight glimpse as the cars sped by - they are driven into a private area at the sporting club where the shots in the video of them arriving are taken. I can answer a couple of questions posed earlier in the thread. Elton John was also part of the summer performing schedule at the sporting club this year so that would be the main reason he was there - he subsequently performed for about four nights at a 100e a ticket. The theme of the ball was a nautical one celebrating the opulence of the great liners ( not sure if this is why the bottom of the dresses were wet ) Although there weren't many well known faces there again, the local paper the Nice Matin published a list of some of the dignitaries on the top tables and it did include some ambassador types (including French & UK representatives) & trade related figures. My point being that the Ball appears to attract less celebrity & more figures from business & politics who must donate quite generously to the fund. It makes it slightly less interesting for some of us, but I think it would be unfair to call it in any way tacky. I did get to see the firework display at 1am & it was a pretty impressive 10 minutes.

 

[iloveroyals]

I think this Red Cross Gala was sad. I try to see the good in it, the money it pulled in for a good cause, the charming theme, the generosity of heart displayed by Stephanie who goes so far as to choose the one dress nobody else will order from her friend, but all I see (from the majority of pictures), is a group of people who belong to the most vulgar quarters of the Riviera. A display of grotesques, if I may be allowed to express my opinion freely, whose main purpose in dressing seems to be to exhibit their most inflatable assets.
Charlene looked lovely (does anybody know how she got her dress wet ?), but frigid as always, with the range of one expression set on her face: "I am a nice, unthreatening person, I'll make a good princess. Do you like me yet?"
As I have often commented, the gala organizers need to bring in real youth, but oh well, Caroline and her kids can't be bothered, after all she isn't in charge anymore, she has her own ball, etc., etc. Or does she intend to play rescuer as she will inevitably be called when she reappears in one of those dresses "only she can pull off"?
I wish the principality well, but if she keeps this cruising speed this liner is going to sink faster than the Titanic.

 

[Renata4711]

Beautifully expressed, but alas, I can't concur....

I do like the Titanic allusion, but I believe that, while PA, PC and PS are still around, people will still come to balls and events.

What will happen after the current line-up bows out, heaven alone knows....

 

[FanofMonaco]

I think traditionally the Red Cross Ball has attracted an older crowd and the Rose Ball a younger crowd.

 

[Elly C]

I think traditionally the Red Cross Ball has attracted an older crowd and the Rose Ball a younger crowd.

Yes that's exactly the impression I am beginning to form, but it may change if Charlene is able to draw a younger crowd as she begins to establish herself in her new role.

 

[Renata4711]

Of course, one can't judge Monaco by two annual balls. I'm sure that many of the attendees are not necessarily attending the Balls because of charity, but to see and to be seen themselves and to raise their own profiles.

 

[FanofMonaco]

Renata I think that's the case with most high society charity events; not just in Monaco. That's okay. At least they are doing some good at the same time.

 

[Shelo]

MONTE CARLO, MONACO - AUGUST 04: Charlene Wittstock arrives at the Monaco Red Cross Ball, under the Presidency of HSH Prince Albert II, in the Salles des Etoiles at the Sporting Monte Carlo on August 4, 2006 in MonteCarlo, Monaco. For its 58th anniversary, the Red Cross Ball
(getty)

http://i1.tinypic.com/23lmneo.jpg

In the current issue of Tatler, the interview with Charlene includes her description of what I think, is this dress. Interesting how much she's learned about fashion!!


“I was used to living in a swimsuit and totally clueless about fashion,” Charlene said. “The day of the ball, I had been playing volleyball all day on the beach and didn’t think about getting ready until late in the afternoon.

“I borrowed a green dress from a friend, fixed my hair myself and painted my nails red. I looked like a Christmas tree.”

 

[iceflower]

Red Cross Ball - August 5, 2011

**

This is the thread dedicated to the Red Cross Ball 2011.

It will take place on Friday, August 5, 2011 at 8.30 pm at the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club.


For the 63rd edition singer Joe Cocker has been asked to perform.
The artwork that is annually donated to the Monaco Red Cross is by Peter Wüthrich this year
and is entitled "Collection Mondo", Dame Shirley Bassey and Sandrine Quétier will present the tombola winnings.

The Salle des Etolies of the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club will be decorated like an extraordinary garden, a large number of flowers will turn "the room into a huge plant paradise".


** source: 63ème Gala de la Croix-Rouge Monégasque ** translation **


The thread will be opened as soon as the event approaches!

Enjoy and happy posting!

**
​