Rose Ball, Monaco: 2005 - 2023

[casualfan]

Originally Posted by melina premiere

Princess Charlene was not present to the bal de la rose but Caroline and her family was not present to the concert which celabrated the 10 years of the reign of prince Albert, princesses Caroline, , Stéphanie and their children are no more present to the Red Cross gala, they were not present to the princess Grace foundation at the palace in september 2015.


In december, Charlene was present at walk for the climat, she gave gifts , alone or with Albert to the children in the nurseris, in the homes for the old persons or handicaped persons.
Since the beginning of the year, we saw Charlene meeting the papa with Albert, she was attending the fests of the Saint Devote, she visited the refugees at Vintimille with Albert and she visited a school 2 weeks ago. She attended the events about the Saint Devote tournament

So, given that, she couldn't attend a signature event for the principality?

This is Monaco, and these events are the big draws. Why not have your royal family whole heartedly support them - all of two of them a year?

[Florestane]

Originally Posted by melina premiere

Princess Charlene was not present to the bal de la rose but Caroline and her family was not present to the concert which celabrated the 10 years of the reign of prince Albert, princesses Caroline, , Stéphanie and their children are no more present to the Red Cross gala, they were not present to the princess Grace foundation at the palace in september 2015.


In december, Charlene was present at walk for the climat, she gave gifts , alone or with Albert to the children in the nurseris, in the homes for the old persons or handicaped persons.
Since the beginning of the year, we saw Charlene meeting the papa with Albert, she was attending the fests of the Saint Devote, she visited the refugees at Vintimille with Albert and she visited a school 2 weeks ago. She attended the events about the Saint Devote tournament

It isn't actually a competition... "You didn't come to this so I'm not coming to that"!

Caroline and her family were there in total to stand in the square in front of the palace on an extremely hot day and listen to Charlene talking about the "prince de mon coeur" so they acknowledged Albert's 10 years.

It certainly seems that Stephanie and Caroline have decided to leave the Red Cross Gala to Albert and Charlene - let's hope she turns up because it certainly won't be nearly as interesting if we only have Albert in his sommelier's outfit to look at...

Also, Albert and his family are the future of the Principality, not his sisters - their involvement is nice but they're the "sideshow" now like Antoinette and her family were.

You've listed 5 things Charlene's done in nearly 3 months - as if that's an impressive list of events to have attended. It's not very many, really.

But... as I've said before, it's clearly an arrangement that suits her and Albert. It's odd to me (and others) so not surprising comments are being made.

Hope to see her out and about soon.

What did you think of the Rose Ball, by the way?

[Duc_et_Pair]

Originally Posted by Moonmaiden23

Unless one of the children was ill there is simply no excuse for the wife of the Sovereign Prince to skip out one of the Principality's signature events. [...]

With all respect, a fundraising ball is hardly a "signature event"... The only real signature events are -nationally- the Fête Nationale and Sainte-Devote, and -internationally- the Grand Prix Formule 1 in the streets of Monte-Carlo.

[sophie25]

She didn't turn up for the circus either this year which outside of last year was a first. It's like she's avoiding Albert's family for some reason these days. I hope she goes to the tennis and the Grand Prix gala as she missed them last year. I know she was on maternity leave but as she was doing certain things last year I don't know why these events were missed. It's terrible that we are even having this discussion. There are certain events in Monaco that we should be guaranteed to see her at but I'm never sure if she will turn up anymore and that didn't used to be the case prior to her having the twins. She gets plenty of time with them so there is no excuse IMO.

[Florestane]

Originally Posted by sophie25

She didn't turn up for the circus either this year which outside of last year was a first. It's like she's avoiding Albert's family for some reason these days. I hope she goes to the tennis and the Grand Prix gala as she missed them last year. I know she was on maternity leave but as she was doing certain things last year I don't know why these events were missed. It's terrible that we are even having this discussion. There are certain events in Monaco that we should be guaranteed to see her at but I'm never sure if she will turn up anymore and that didn't used to be the case prior to her having the twins. She gets plenty of time with them so there is no excuse IMO.

Apparently (sorry - can't remember where I read this) she has a problem with the animals performing (like many people do) so prefers to avoid the circus.

There may be a rift with Albert's family (they are a speciality of the Grimaldi family!) but there have been photos where all seems well - Gabriella toddling between Caroline and Charlene, Caroline and Charlene chatting at some unveiling thing, Charlotte and Charlene having a giggle off the balcony. Who knows?
It's odd.

[Nadine]

Personally, I find nothing odd. Of course if one goes looking for trouble, s/he will find it. It's all about an individual's perception.

On that note, one can choose to be negative, or not.

Btw, thanks to the person(s) whom posted the live video of the Ball, and Princess Alexandra dancing, as well as the Casiraghi Family arriving. Photos don't do it justice, but video sure does, like night & day!

[Florestane]

Originally Posted by Nadine

Personally, I find nothing odd. Of course if one goes looking for trouble, s/he will find it. It's all about an individual's perception.

On that note, one can choose to be negative, or not.

Btw, thanks to the person(s) whom posted the live video of the Ball, and Princess Alexandra dancing, as well as the Casiraghi Family arriving. Photos don't do it justice, but video sure does, like night & day!

I'm not being negative nor am I "looking for trouble" - I find it odd that Charlene has gone from attending many events to hardly any. I think this as I have followed this family for over 40 years and this seems to be a new model of operating. Some agree with me, some don't. I think, as I have now said repeatedly, that she and Albert have a set up that suits them.

I don't actually think there's a rift as such - I'll stick my neck out and say that I don't think Charlene and Caroline or Charlene and Stephanie have an awful lot in common but a rift, no. As I said, there have been events over the past year where Charlene has been pictured interacting quite happily with family members.

[lazuli]

La gran ausente en el Baile de la Rosa: ¿Dónde estaba la princesa Charlene?

La gran ausente en el Baile de la Rosa: ¿Dónde estaba la princesa Charlene?

Where was Princess Charlene? asks Hola... Maybe skiing says the same magazine...

Alejandra de Hannover, la hija pequeña de Carolina de Mónaco, reclama su sitio

Alejandra de Hannover, la hija pequeña de Carolina de Mónaco, reclama su sitio

Alexandra of Hanover claims her place in Monaco

She is no Sovereign Princess but just the wife of.
She has no institutional obligations except just being the wife of.
The Bal de la Rose is no institutional obligation. It is a fundraising event for the foundation of which Princess Caroline is the organizator. Therefore she is the Dame d'Honneur and her family is attending. It is just a party, no ceremony of state...

So was Princess Grace, and that never stopped her from standing along side P. Ranier all the time, supporting him and teaming up with him. She involved herself in the principality's life, she created multiple associations and events, she work hard as hell. Maybe the difference is that P. Grace seemed to genuineally love the principality and her husband and family while Charlene seems to be living a burdeon. She looks always bored And as the wife of a rulling prince YES! SHE AS OBLIGATIONS!!! Take a look at Letizia, Maxima or Mary... Why should Madame Charlene be any different????

[Biri]

I have one question: Why is Rose Ball organized during the Lent, when Catholics should refrain from festivities?

[royal rob]

Originally Posted by Biri

I have one question: Why is Rose Ball organized during the Lent, when Catholics should refrain from festivities?

That could be a reason she didn't go. There has been a lot of talk about how devoted she is. Maybe she has given up dancing or something for lent. Just a thought


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[Fürstin Taxis]

Eh, honestly, does it matter that she wasn't there? I think it's more important that Caroline keeps on this event with the support of Albert as the sovereign Prince. Imo in future when Gabriella is old enough to attend she slowly could be groomed to take this over with the support and connection of her cousins.

[C4A]

Biri, you raise an excellent point! I was not even aware of that, since I'm not Catholic. But if that is the reason why P Charlene chooses not to attend this particular Ball they should say so and all this speculation/discussion will end. And she will be highly respected...


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[Duc_et_Pair]

Really, in practice almost no West-European Catholic observes Lent. This will not be different in a mondaine sea resort floating on a bubble of unimagineable luxury with the own citizens completely outnumbered by 1 to 6 foreigners, not even counting the tourists.

It is very well possible that Charlène hates fundraising balls or diners. If you want to be charitative or generous: give. But not "in return" for a fancy ball, in your arch-expensive Dior dress, nipping Moët & Pommery Brut Rosé...

Caritas is best done in all discretion. I like it when I hear an anonymous donor gave something than counting the left-over after the costs for the Salle des Étoiles, the catering and the whole rambam.

Originally Posted by lazuli

She is no Sovereign Princess but just the wife of.
She has no institutional obligations except just being the wife of.
The Bal de la Rose is no institutional obligation. It is a fundraising event for the foundation of which Princess Caroline is the organizator. Therefore she is the Dame d'Honneur and her family is attending. It is just a party, no ceremony of state...

So was Princess Grace, and that never stopped her from standing along side P. Ranier all the time, supporting him and teaming up with him. She involved herself in the principality's life, she created multiple associations and events, she work hard as hell. Maybe the difference is that P. Grace seemed to genuineally love the principality and her husband and family while Charlene seems to be living a burdeon. She looks always bored And as the wife of a rulling prince YES! SHE AS OBLIGATIONS!!! Take a look at Letizia, Maxima or Mary... Why should Madame Charlene be any different????

Actually Grace was often bored as hell in the village which was Monte-Carlo. She was a cosmopolitan and saw in the Rose Ball an opportunity to be glamorous once again, posing with her Hollywood pals. It had little to do with "love for Monaco". That sugarcake fondant is already cracked by what we know about the real life of Grace. She was also an American, a Hollywood actress, she was known with the concept of rolling oneself in luxury with charity as a good excuse.

In my personal opinion Charlène is too down to earth, too grounded and too pure to fiddle around in this world of ultimate shallowness. She is a girl from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. While others dreamt of photoshoots, she made miles and miles in chlorine water. This sort of events are the natural habitat of a Donna Beatrice. The Princess however, looks like a lady to me, no more happy than just being home with little Jacques and Gabriella. And remember: it was just a ball in a sport club building. The Maison Princier was represented. By no one else than monseigneur le Prince in very own person.

[Countessmeout]

I am sorry but it is ignorant to say western Catholics don't observe lent. Many do, giving up something for the period like caffeine or sweets. Certainly giving up all luxuries is not common, but observing lent in some way is not forgotten That is not to say for a moment I think that is why Charlene is not in attendance at the event.

I also agree with those who say this is a major event. It might not be a 'national' event like Devotee, but it is certainly like the Circus, one of the key events of the year for the royal family. It certainly gets a lot of press which when it comes to such a small country is important for their charities. Just because it is Caroline's patronage, doesn't mean it is something that the whole family shouldn't attend. Or at least senior members.

[Paranoia]

Countessmeout, maybe it is like that in Canada. In european catholic countries it is rare to observe Lent nowadays and you shouldn't call ignorant the person who said so because she is absolutely right.

Religious people may not eat flesh on fridays but usually that's all.

I've never heard of anyone who ever gave up a dance because of Lent in my whole life. Not even very religious or old people.
Actually, in Spain plenty of other big religious festivities take place during Lent. And there is dancing, and drinking and singing, and everything you want.

About Charlene, I don't think the clue is whether the ball is a major or minor event. It's not a morning or afternoon event. It's really weird not to accompany your husband/wife to a dinner or ball that takes place a few steps away from your home.

I am sure her absence means something.

[Duc_et_Pair]

Believe me, France is one of the most secularized countries. I have a house in Maussane-les-Alpilles, Provence, north of Marseille. In this country where laïcité is a dogma of the Republic, catholic life is very much irrelevant, I can assure you. The casino in Monte-Carlo will not have one customer less because it is Lent... When you would not know, you would never guess it is.

[lazuli]

Originally Posted by Duc_et_Pair

Really, in practice almost no West-European Catholic observes Lent. This will not be different in a mondaine sea resort floating on a bubble of unimagineable luxury with the own citizens completely outnumbered by 1 to 6 foreigners, not even counting the tourists.

It is very well possible that Charlène hates fundraising balls or diners. If you want to be charitative or generous: give. But not "in return" for a fancy ball, in your arch-expensive Dior dress, nipping Moët & Pommery Brut Rosé...

Caritas is best done in all discretion. I like it when I hear an anonymous donor gave something than counting the left-over after the costs for the Salle des Étoiles, the catering and the whole rambam.



Actually Grace was often bored as hell in the village which was Monte-Carlo. She was a cosmopolitan and saw in the Rose Ball an opportunity to be glamorous once again, posing with her Hollywood pals. It had little to do with "love for Monaco". That sugarcake fondant is already cracked by what we know about the real life of Grace. She was also an American, a Hollywood actress, she was known with the concept of rolling oneself in luxury with charity as a good excuse.

In my personal opinion Charlène is too down to earth, too grounded and too pure to fiddle around in this world of ultimate shallowness. She is a girl from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. While others dreamt of photoshoots, she made miles and miles in chlorine water. This sort of events are the natural habitat of a Donna Beatrice. The Princess however, looks like a lady to me, no more happy than just being home with little Jacques and Gabriella. And remember: it was just a ball in a sport club building. The Maison Princier was represented. By no one else than monseigneur le Prince in very own person.

If you say so... you have the right to your opinion, of course. To me Charlene is just a lazy, careless person who does a lousy job as a princess consort. But, then again, i never liked the woman from the start... she always looked like someone who took her engagement and following marrige as the utmost boring burdeon. If she was the kind of woman who had made miles and miles in chlorine water, as you say, maybe she should have chosen another path for her life instead of marrying a sovereign prince. Futil obligations sometimes come with this territory...

[Duc_et_Pair]

When a lady marries an aristocrat but prefers a more private life than being the belle of the ball, then this is a legitime choice. In every monarchy the head of state and the consort have partly separate agendas. Even in Spain where the duo Felipetizia seem glued to each other, they have separate arrangements indeed.

[Countessmeout]

Originally Posted by Paranoia

Countessmeout, maybe it is like that in Canada. In european catholic countries it is rare to observe Lent nowadays and you shouldn't call ignorant the person who said so because she is absolutely right.

Religious people may not eat flesh on fridays but usually that's all.

I've never heard of anyone who ever gave up a dance because of Lent in my whole life. Not even very religious or old people.
Actually, in Spain plenty of other big religious festivities take place during Lent. And there is dancing, and drinking and singing, and everything you want.

About Charlene, I don't think the clue is whether the ball is a major or minor event. It's not a morning or afternoon event. It's really weird not to accompany your husband/wife to a dinner or ball that takes place a few steps away from your home.

I am sure her absence means something.

Did I say dance or parties? Do you speak for every catholic person in Europe? I highly doubt it. What you choose to give up for lent is a personal choice. I have known people, including in Europe where I have lived thanks, who have given up television for instance. It is simply meant to be something that means something to you. The old tradition of it being fats and sweets (fat Tuesday) has adapted with time. So yes, to claim that all Catholics in the western world don't observe lent is ignorant.

[Duc_et_Pair]

It would surprise me when Charlène, whom had no Catholic upbringing, would follow a Catholic tradition which is hardly observed anymore. But okay: if she does, she deserves respect for doing so. I am a Catholic myself, but as I am already sharp on good food, do not smoke, do not drink without social reason, I do little else than sticking to fish on Fridays, but that is also the custom outside Lent anyway. I doubt Lent plays any role in the non-attendance at the ball.