Together with Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, Montblanc celebrated the Princess Grace Awards at the gala premiere of the Montblanc Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco.

The Awards ceremony, held in New York City on November 1st, included the presentation of 21 awards to emerging artists in theater, dance and film, as well as the Prince Rainier III Award, presented to Julie Andrews.

Some of the stunning tributes to Princess Grace by Montblanc, the creator of fine writing instruments, are seen below [click to enlarge]:

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene were joined by a cadre of celebrities. Attendees included:

Anne Hathaway and Carlo Giordanetti

Julie Andrews

Martha Wainwright and Rufus Wainwright

Petra Nemcova

Selita Ebanks and CEO of Montblanc North America Jan-Patrick Schmitz

Archives of the Princely Palace of Monaco

Star-studded events are always fun and glamorous, but they’re even more fun when they are for a good cause.

Montblanc, known for their sophisticated, high quality writing instruments, has teamed up with the Princess Grace Foundation-USA to benefit the arts. The annual Montblanc Cocktail Event, traditionally held the night before the Oscars, christened the exciting charity partnership with the PGF-USA. It was co-hosted with The Weinstein Company at Soho House in West Hollywood.

The Princess Grace Foundation-USA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the recognition of emerging talent in the realm of theatre, dance, and film by awarding grants in the form of scholarships, apprenticeships, and fellowships through the Princess Grace Awards program.

Though Grace Kelly stepped out of the world of acting to become Monaco’s princess, she remained devoted to the arts. The Foundation reflects this devotion and lifelong commitment to helping emerging artists realize their potential.

Montblanc is particularly proud to be teamed with the Foundation this year, as 2011 marks the 60th anniversary of Grace’s silver screen debut. As part of the celebration, Montblanc has designed a unique collection paying tribute to Princess Grace to be launched internationally on September 8, 2011 in Monte Carlo.

Montblanc is reinforcing its commitment to supporting young people around the world through providing access to education to help them to fulfill their potential. In 2009, Montblanc raised over 4 million USD for UNICEF through its global “Signature for Good” initiative to fight illiteracy. The following year, Montblanc announced its support of the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus to coincide with the 70th Anniversary of John Lennon’s birth. This program has encouraged young people all across the US to benefit from access to music education and recording sessions.

So cheers to a great new partnership! I wish both Montblanc and the Princess Grace Foundation success in their endeavors.

* For more about Montblanc: http://www.montblanc.com
* For more about the Princess Grace Foundation: http://www.pgfusa.org

See more wedding gown sketches by designers.

Image by Globovisión via Flickr

Prince Albert of Monaco has proposed to his girlfriend Charlene Wittstock.

The Palace of Monaco officially announced the engagement of HSH Prince Albert II with Ms Charlene Wittstock on June 23rd. This is the first marriage for the 52-year-old prince and for Charlene, 32.

His Highness is the son of the late Prince Rainier III and the American actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly. Albert succeeded to the throne upon Rainier’s death in July 2005.

Charlene Lynette Wittstock is of South African nationality. Born on January 25th, 1978 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, she is a former Olympic swimmer and described by the Palace’s official statement as ‘a youth worker’.

Charlene’s engagement ring is as stunning and large as that of Albert’s mother, Princess Grace:

Stylelist.com says:

Her pear-shaped engagement ring, set in unique gray gold, is the “Tethys” design created by Parisian jeweler Maison Repossi. The sparkler’s huge center stone is embellished with round diamond brilliants.

Many congratulations to them both!

For your interest: “Caroline and Company”, and article on Princess Caroline of Monaco and Hanover.

It’s dated August 2006, but it’s fascinating and if you haven’t read it already, here it is!

I recently discovered it from browsing HRH’s official page at the Monaco Consulate’s website.

A Prayer for Monaco: via Catholic.org

Remembering the Faith Legacy of Prince Rainier III & Princess Grace and Contemplating the Moral Challenges of Prince Albert II

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco talks about the exhibition that celebrates his late mother, Grace Kelly.

Remembering My Fairytale Mother