I don't know much about protocol, but it would have been nice of Caroline to let the not-yet-married-a-whole-year Prince and Princess of Monaco lead the way. No big deal, just a bit awkward. Why the boys didn't show up? I doubt this was the appropriate occasion to punish them for their shenanigans. Besides, we don't know whether it's more of a relief to them not to be on duty. "Cool! We're off the hook this year!" I'll miss Beatrice, she is not my favorite lady of the bunch but she dresses to impress. Why Albert as a leader doesn't rally the troops is always a mystery. Where are Stephanie and her kids? I know, it's Caroline's night in the spotlight, Stephanie never shows up on her night, her kids are kept out of the limelight, etc, etc, yet it was good to see them all at the wedding. Can they get over whatever sibling rivalries may exist between them, "for the good of the country"?
Caroline's outfit looks like a markdown from a flea market. She probably wore it to test her faithful, hoping they would repeat their mantra that "only Caroline can pull it off". So, Caroline, you did it again, the more bizarre you look, the more some fans will want to measure up to your tastes. It will become more and more interesting as the years go by. Actually, I think the older you get, the more fun with clothing you can get away with, “wearing purple” and all that, but Caroline, you are way too young to play the old eccentric.
Charlene looks elegant and understated, her hairdo is the focus of attraction. My feeling is Charlene tries very hard, and is often successful, but she just doesn’t have it in her to look like a princess, with both the confidence and sophistication it entails. She is right to stick to minimalism, every effort costs her, although I have nothing against her as a woman or even princess. Some women like to dress up and look their best, and I think Charlene is just not part of that group.
Charlotte? I guess her gown grew on me. At first, I thought, "What a mess, what are all these tiers, why is one part transparent and the rest is opaque?" In my opinion, a dress should just 'Wow' you visually, not start you on a rationalizing drift, unless you mean to woo other designers with your creativity, originality. But okay, it’s a nice color, and she does stand out compared to her friends. But "Swinging London"? I did some research and the three ladies have a personal interpretation of Swinging London which does not seem to fit what I've read and seen. Why Caroline in particular would want to go with its bleaker rendering is another Grimaldi mystery. If nothing else, Swinging London is colorful, as the decor appropriately represented.
Three beautiful ladies, a happy Prince, nice decorations, but thumbs down from me for this Rose Ball 2012.