Princess Charlene of Monaco made her debut as royal hostess at the 63rd Red Cross Ball at the Sporting Monte-Carlo on Friday August 5, 2011. It is the first gala event the princess has attended in Monaco since she married the principality's ruler, Prince Albertt II.
The 33-year-old former South African swimmer was dressed in a vibrant fuchsia strapless gown by Akris with a fishtail hem. She wore her blonde hair long but swept back from her face.
Around her neck was a gift from Prince Albert, the Ocean necklace, created just for her by Van Cleef & Arpels. The diamond and sapphire necklace, studded with 1,200 gems, converts to a tiara.
The Parisian jewelry maker has also designed a collection in honor of the princess and donated a set from that collection to the Red Cross for the Monaco ball.
One of the highlights of the Monaco social calendar, the Red Cross gala was attended by
800 people including the princess' brother, Gareth Wittstock, and the prince's sisters, Princess Caroline of Hanover and Princess Stephanie.
The Sporting Club Monte Carlo was decorated in shades of hot pink, white and gold and shimmered in cascades of candlelight.
Guests were welcomed by a classical string section which performed elegant and enchanting music as they dined on the fine cuisine of the Sporting Club chefs.
As the roof of the Sporting Club was opened and the sky was shimmering in starlight, Rocker Joe Cocker performed a one hour set of his greatest hits including "You Can Leave You're Hat On", "I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends", "When the Night Comes" and "You Are So Beautiful".
Joe Cocker's set was followed up by a high-energy performance by Veronica Martell Entertainment who set the dance floor a-fire! Guests danced the night away to Ms. Martell and her musicians into the wee hours of the morning. The highlight of the Monaco social calendar, the Red Cross Gala is held annually in Monte Carlo and attended by royalty and celebrities alike.