Royalty, haute joaillerie aplenty and world-premiere performances make this event one of the most glamorous on Monaco’s calendar.
Beneath the retractable roof of the Salle des Étoiles at Sporting Monte-Carlo on Saturday night, Europe’s royalty, international philanthropists and others among the Principality’s most prominent figures gathered for an event whose enduring purpose has remained unchanged for nearly eight decades: raising vital funds for humanitarian work.
Held under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II and H.S.H. Princess Charlene—President and Vice-President of the Monaco Red Cross respectively—the 77th edition of the gala reaffirmed why it occupies such a unique place in Monaco’s crowded calendar of high-profile events.
Guests arrived at the legendary Salle des Étoiles—the waterfront venue whose stage has hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald to Elton John, Robbie Williams and Jamiroquai over the decades. This year, however, the evening departed from tradition by unveiling an entirely new production instead of simply an established headline performer.
Produced by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, SOUL! Where Legends Come Back made its world premiere during the gala, tracing the extraordinary influence of African-American music across generations. The production’s narrative explored genres from gospel to blues via rock ‘n’ roll, funk, soul and contemporary R&B, paying tribute to musical pioneers including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder before arriving in the modern era by channelling Alicia Keys and Beyoncé. It was celebration of one of modern music’s richest cultural legacies – and an uplifting centrepiece for an evening dedicated to hope and altruism.
Elsewhere during the evening, guests were reminded of the scale of the Monaco Red Cross’s humanitarian reach. Founded in 1948 by Prince Louis II and led by Prince Albert II since 1982, the organisation today supports more than 53,000 beneficiaries annually through 17 international humanitarian projects alongside extensive local programmes focused on healthcare, social services, youth initiatives, elderly support and emergency relief.
Its international footprint has also expand significantly of late, thanks to operations supporting communities affected by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, while new initiatives relating to climate change, health issues and population displacement have been launched in countries including Burundi and Georgia.
Attendees, resplendent in black-tie apparel and formal evening gowns, were visibly moved as a film was screened showcasing the charity’s work within Monaco and across international crisis zones and focussing on the individuals whose lives have been transformed through the organisation’s programmes.
Luxury, naturally, was also woven into the fabric of the evening. The gala raffle featured an enviable collection of prizes donated by some of the world’s most prestigious maisons and partners. Among the highlights were a Cartier “Coffee Bean” high jewellery parure comprising necklace, earrings and ring set with 58 diamonds; a contemporary Audemars Piguet timepiece whose “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” dial would have befitted many of the men in the room’s ensemble; an exclusive VIP musical experience at Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie (with business-class flights and backstage/VIP lounge access); and a stay for two at Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer in the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo with dinner at Le Grill, the property’s Michelin-starred restaurant.
Art also took centre stage, in the form of Belgian contemporary artist Johan Creten’s specially created ceramic work, In Praise of Hope. Donated to the Monaco Red Cross, the sculptural piece employed the iconic Red Cross emblem alongside floral motifs symbolising resilience: a poignant visual metaphor for the charity’s mission.
Among the distinguished guests were Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Caroline Cross, President of the French Red Cross, underscoring the Principality’s growing stature within the global humanitarian community. Further reinforcing this position, Monaco will later this year host the Small European National Societies conference, bringing together humanitarian leaders to discuss issues ranging from international humanitarian law to the protection of aid workers and cross-border collaboration.
The gala’s fundraising credentials remain considerable. Figures from last night are not available at the time of writing, but last year’s edition generated €507,000 for the Monaco Red Cross, and this year’s guests once again demonstrated that generosity is as integral to this illustrious evening as tuxedos and gowns.
For one evening each July, Monaco’s greatest luxury is not exclusivity but solidarity: the glamour so prevalent in Monegasque culture deployed in service of the greater good. Here at Robb Report, we cordially toast to it, and wish it growing success with each passing year.
