Royal Fashion Minute: Monaco Royals attend 63rd Annual Red Cross Ball in Monte-Carlo

Fuchsia Princess

Royal Couple: HSH Prince Albert II and HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco, in Akris gown, Red Cross Ball Monte-Carlo

Last night was the 63rd Annual Red Cross Ball in Monte-Carlo Monaco, held at the Sporting Monte-Carlo. 800 guests payed 1,000 Euros (over $1,400) to dine, dance and hear Joe Cocker, who performed--and enjoy the glorious festivities.

The Dance Floor Scene--Before and After: Sporting Monte-Carlo, 63rd Annual Red Cross Ball

And of course, get a glimpse of the Monégasque Royals. Speaking of, of course HSH Prince Albert II and his recent bride, HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco were there. Charlene wore a fuchsia silk Dupioni strapless (she loves to show off those Swimmer's shoulders of hers!) "Mermaid"-style fitted gown from the Swiss Design House of Akris, designed by Albert Kriemler. There are rumours circling the Royal-watchers forums saying that she might be pregnant, but you couldn't tell in this gown. No baby-bump yet.

The Princess and the Ill-Fitting Tuxedo: Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, 63rd Annual Red Cross Ball Monte-Carlo

The Princess wore her hair side-swept and tucked under grazing her neck in an elegant style reminiscent of the late Princess Grace. Her clutch matched the color of her gown. Prince Albert II--bless his heart--looked a bit schlumpy in a too-long Dinner Jacket tuxedo and way too long pants (aren't there any tailors in Monaco?). My goodness, he is one of the RICHEST Men in the World, and can't get a tuxedo to fight right?

Princess Charlene also wore a GORGEOUS Van Cleef & Arpels Océan Necklace (which can also be converted into a tiara, of course), consisting of 88 round diamonds, 10 pearls, 359 sapphires. It was a gift from Albert to his bride (oh how sweet!).

Princess Stephanie and her sister Princess Caroline of Hanover also made an appearance at the 63rd Annual Red Cross Ball Gala. It was Princess Caroline's first appearance at the Ball since 2008.

She wore a purple-and-gold flower printed silk gown with contrasting black-and-white polka dot side panels, accessorized by simple gold and diamond hoop earrings. Quite a bold statement by the Princess who usually chooses more sedate outfits from Chanel.

Among the 80o guests was Dame Shirley Bassey, who wore the same Pre-Fall 2009 Alexander McQueen dress (red color) that Pippa Middleton wore as Maid of Honor to her sister's Royal Wedding to Prince William. Incidentally, yes, it's also the same dress actress Cameron Diaz wore to the Golden Globe Awards in 2010. This is THE MOST popular dress IN THE WORLD, it seems!

Royal Fashion Minute: Prince Albert of Monaco Weds Charlene Wittstock wearing Karl Lagerfeld: The Civil Wedding!

A Light Blue Princess...

Bonjour Princess: Prince Albert II of Monaco and his bride, Charlene, Prince's Palace Monaco

Yes kids, it's ANOTHER Royal Wedding!! This time around it's the Wedding of one of the wealthiest Royals in the entire World, Prince Albert II of Monaco (Prince Rainer and Princess Grace's son and ruler of the tiny European Principality) with "commoner" Charlene Wittstock who originally hails from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and was a former Olympic swimmer for the South African team. Tomorrow (Saturday) is the actual Church Nuptials (and the wedding gown) along with the Royal Guests including Model-Fashion Designers-Glitterati Galore...But today was the Civil Ceremony, celebrated at the Prince's Palace in Monaco, of course.

Blue Charlene: The new Princess Charlene of Monaco in a light blue palazzo ensemble by Karl Lagerfeld

The bride wore a light blue ensemble, consisting of a fitted crepe jacket and silk and lace trimmed palazzo pants. The ensemble is a collaboration between the bride and designer Karl Lagerfeld (The jacket does have that "Chanel" silhouette with the seam in the sleeves, etc.). In an interview with vogue.com she stated:
“We wanted something to match the color of my eyes. It is my creation and I’m proud of it. It’s feminine and keeps with tradition yet has a little twist that reflects my personal style. I thought it was a nice change to go for trousers instead of a skirt, especially since I’m an athlete and have always kept my clothes clean and simple.”

Le Bisou: Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene

After the Civil Ceremony, they made an appearance in the Palace's balcony and kissed in front of their Moneguasque subjects cheering and waving below. The ceremony was attended by close family members of both the bride and groom...

Including the ever-so-chic Princess Caroline of Hanover, her sister Princess Stephanie and Camille Gottlieb, Princess Stephanie's third daughter (seen above in one of the Palace's balconies).

Click Below for Video of the Civil Ceremony of Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock:

Weekly Royal Dish: Charlene Wittstock will be Her Serene Highness Princess Of Monaco

Her Serene FASHION Highness...

Prince Albert of Monaco and fiancé, Charlene Wittstock, soon-to-be Her Serene Highness of Monaco, Charlene--recently attended the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, France. Looking absolutely stunning in a pale blue silk gown with Swarovski crystals around the Empire by Armani Prive, Charlene Wittstock was dazzling on the arm of her fiancé.

Yesterday, it was announced that Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe, a country in southern Africa for those geographically challenged)born stunner Charlene Wittstock will be Her Serene Highness, Princess Charlene of Monaco as well as Duchess of Valentois, Marchise (Or Marchioness) of Baux, and Countess of Carlades. These are the same titles that the late Princess Grace of Monaco also had. The soon-to-be Princess Charlene will get the same protocol as her Prince Albert. And hopefully some of the BILLIONS he has--he is after all supposedly, one of the wealthiest Monarchs in the entire world!

Charlene Wittstock in Armani Prive

But really, what I am interested in is the fact that the future Princess of Monaco is quite a Fashionista! It all sort of began when she wore a Haute Couture hand-made suit by Armani Prive (seen above) that if she actually purchased it, would set her back about $40,000. If anyone wants to pinpoint Charlene's "Fashion Moment", this would be IT for me. Even future sister-in-law Princess Caroline's son was like "Oh No you DIDN'T!!" (see photo above)

Recently, at the Monaco Grand Prix 2011, she wore this lovely and very Lady-like printed dress (above)...

Charlene Wittstock in Akris, AmberLounge Fashion Event

She also caused a stir wearing this strapless jumpsuit, by Akris for an AmberLounge Fashion Event. Strapless black sequined and wide legged palazzo jumsuit? For a future Princess? Yep, she gave them "Disco" huney!

Charlene Wittstock in Akris, Grand Prix of Monaco 2011 Party

Later that same day--for the Monaco Grand Prix 2011 Gala, she also wore Akris. This time it was a bateau-necked bronze sequined gown that SCREAMED Hollywood Screen Goddess.

Charlene Wittstock in Akris gown, Queen Elizabeth II's Pre-William and Catherine Wedding Party at Mandarin Oriental, London

Speaking of Akris...Many wondered who had designed her over-the-top strapless silver gown during the "William and Catherine Pre-Wedding" evening reception hosted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Yep, it was from the Swiss design House of Akris. It should be noted that they recently opened a boutique in Monaco and let's just say, Akris' PR Office is certainly working OVERTIME!!!!

Finally, (again in Akris!), here is Charlene and her future husband, Prince Albert of Monaco (above) at last month's Kate and William Royal Wedding. Albert and Charlene's Wedding is to take place July 2, 2011. The rumor is that she will wear Armani Prive, a custom made gown estimated at over $100,000. I cannot wait to see it!