Monaco royal family CANCELS its glamorous Rose Ball for the first time since it was established by Grace Kelly in 1954 as the world is gripped by coronavirus fears
- Monaco royal family announced it will cancel the Rose Ball for the first time ever
- The event was due to be held on March 21 but will be postponed to a later date
- Statement revealed it is being delayed due to coronavirus fears
The Monaco royal family has cancelled its annual Rose Ball for the first time in its 66-year history amid coronavirus fears.
The glamorous event, which is attended by senior members of the Monagesque royal family, was scheduled to take place on March 21 but will now be postponed as a precautionary measure as COVID-19 continues to spread.
A statement on the Rose Ball website reads: ‘Due to the stricter precautionary measures related to COVID-19, we are forced to postpone this event.
The Monaco royal family has cancelled its annual Rose Ball for the first time in its 66-year history amid coronavirus fears. Pictured, the family dazzle at last year’s event
‘We will schedule a new date depending on how the situation develops.’
The Rose Ball was established by Princess Grace of Monaco in 1954 and has become the highlight of the Monte Carlo social calendar.
Princess Caroline of Hanover, Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Charlene of Monaco regularly attend the event, alongside Princess Caroline’s brood of glamorous children.
The Rose Ball was established by Princess Grace in 1954 and has become the highlight of the Monte Carlo social calendar. Pictured, Grace and Prince Rainier at the Rose Ball in 1977
Well-heeled society figures from around the world also jet in for the event, with fashion designer Karl Largerfeld and Princess Alexandra of Kent among the previous high profile attendees.
The black tie soiree raises money for the Princess Grace Foundation, which supports people and children in need by developing humanitarian and philanthropic projects.
It comes as royal families around the world take action to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The Swedish royal family cancelled an annual black tie dinner, while the British royal family chose not to shake hands with guests at a Commonwealth Day service this week.