Monte-Carlo Centenary Ball

Begum Om Habibeh Aga Khan joined Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace of Monaco as they attended the legendary Bal du Second Empire held by the socialite Hélène Rochas at the Casino de Monte-Carlo on this day in 1966, 60 years ago, to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the City of Monte-Carlo and its Casino.

Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace of Monaco led the High Society Guests as French socialite Hélène Rochas held the Monte-Carlo Centenary Ball (also known as Le Bal du Centenaire or the Bal du Second Empire) at the Casino de Monte-Carlo.

The gala featured a Second Empire costume theme, transporting elite global invitees back to 19th-century elegance. Set across the Belle Époque structures of the Monte-Carlo Casino Atrium and the Monte-Carlo Opera House (Salle Garnier), designer André Levasseur even constructed a custom double staircase to give guests direct terrace access.

Hosted by the iconic French socialite Hélène Rochas, this historic gala is widely remembered as one of Monaco’s most opulent, “Ball of the Century” social events.

Princess Grace opened the ball alongside Prince Rainier III in spectacular fashion. She wore a high-waisted, authentically recreated Empress Eugénie-style pink silk and taffeta opera gown featuring a dramatic six-foot-wide ruffled bell skirt.

To complete her look, Van Cleef & Arpels loaned Princess Grace the historic Empress Joséphine Coronation Tiara. Originally crafted by Marie-Étienne Nitot with over 1,040 diamonds, the masterpiece was reportedly. worn by Joséphine Beauharnais during Napoleon’s 1804 coronation.

High Society Guests included the Begum Om Habibeh Aga Khan and Gina Lollobrigida.

The ball brought together international royalty, aristocrats, and artists, including the Begum Aga Khan, artist Leonor Fini, and French dancer Jacques Chazot, who famously shared a legendary dance with Princess Grace