Red Cross Ball - August 3, 2012

[LadyMacAlpine]

Originally Posted by memoo

I know exactly who Princess Antionette was and who Elisabeth de Massy are. My whole point was missed yet again. I said I missed seeing Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie there. I knew someone would take it upon themselves to tell me that there really is no need for Princess Caroline to be there anymore, because Charlene is now THE Princess. And my rebuttal was if Caroline has no need to be there anymore, why would Elisabeth de Massy? Never said she didn't belong there, never said she was not a part of the family, never said she shouldn't want to be there! The point of my comment was I wish Princess Caroline was there. LET'S MOVE ON NOW! THANKS!

I understood what you meant perhaps its that non-American's don't get what we mean sometimes. I think it is also a problem in translation.

[agogo]

Originally Posted by Elly C

In the early years of Rainier and Grace's marriage, it is pretty well documented that the relationship between Princess Antoinette and the first couple were poor which may explain why Antoinette did not attend so many Galas during this time - although later, her attendance was pretty much guaranteed until ill health overtook her. Caroline attended all of the balls (I think) once she was old enough to do so while Grace was alive, and Stephanie also attended - although of course she was still very young when Grace was alive. So I don't think the fact that Albert now has Charlene, although obviously a factor, should be the reason why the rest of the family appear to have "downgraded" this event.

Not downgraded, just moving on. I was surprised to see Princess Charlene's brother in the group picture, the one with the de Massy family. In the past, this type of picture was only for the Grimaldi family. However, apparently changes are occurring in Monaco with the marriage of Prince Albert to Charlene. Probably they will occur slowly and not all at once. The changes of attendance at this ball could be just coincidence that all of Caroline's family are on holiday and Stephanie’s family are at the Olympics or it could be intentional.

Originally Posted by Elly C

Has any announcement been made as to why Stephanie pulled out having been stated as attending? Although I think the comparison with the Grace years of the ball is perhaps becoming irrelevant, what I think is relevant is that members of the immediate family are turning up in less numbers, and I wonder why Caroline's family have never really attended. I know they support the Rose Ball, but the Red Cross Ball is meant to be THE event of the social calendar.

Princesses Caroline and Stephanie have been attending for many many years. It seems as if one sister attends, the other does not. This is work for them and now that Princess Charlene is in the family, the duties of the Princesses seemed to have changed a bit. As for the children of Princesses Caroline and Stephanie, perhaps attending these functions is not really that much fun, otherwise they might have been there.

Originally Posted by memoo

I think Princess Charlene looked very beautiful! And she and Prince Albert seem to be happy and content! However the ball is not the same without Princesses Caroline and Stephanie, esp Princess Caroline. She brings glamour to the ball. I know people will say, there is no longer a need for her to be there, since Charlene is now married Prince Albert. In response to that....then why are Elisabeth de Massy and her children there instead?!?!

Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie have, for decades, been the focal point of attention at various Monaco galas. It may be a relief to not have to attend. Keep in mind; it may not be that pleasant to be the center of attention at these events.

Originally Posted by NGalitzine

Maybe because they wanted to be there.

Exactly right, the Grimaldis that attended wanted to be there. Monaco's noble family usually does what they choose to do.

[LadyMacAlpine]

Perhaps this quote will help. "Caroline has said. " If I was to much of a presence, it would be ghastly for Albert's wife." Page 441 of Once Upon a Time Behind the Fairytale of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier by J Randy Taraborrelli.

Personally I'm not expecting to see Caroline or her children as much at these events.

[melina premiere]

Princess Caroline and princess Stephanie do not like to attend to the balls.
Caroline attends the rose ball she is the patron of the rose ball, she attends the national gala at the national fest. She attends rarely at the balls in Monaco. She atttends no more at the gala of grand Prix where she went some years ago.
Stephanie attend to the fightaids balls and she does not attend other galas even the national ball.
I think it is not pleased to attend these balls without a partner and to be alone.

[countess felicitas]

Originally Posted by C4A

Thanks Melina, nice footage of them dancing. Was that a little kiss in there??

The dancing and kiss definitely was cute.

[Irish ladybug]

I loved Charlenes dress, up close it was iridescent. Very pretty.

[melina premiere]

other video of the gala

Red Cross Ball 2012, Monte Carlo hosted by Prince Albert of Monaco & Charlene Wittstock | FashionTV - YouTube