Go Behind the Palace Doors with Princess Charlene of Monaco

Photo Credit: Mike Windle/Getty Images

A royal affair took place in Los Angeles last week as Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco arrived to attend a luncheon presented by the Blue Ribbon of the Music Center.

The event, which took place in the Eva & Marc Stern Grand Hall at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, was part of a two-day trip to the city to announce the US Chapter of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, a not-for-profit organization designed to promote water safety, sport and education programs particularly for children and young people. The organization is of particular importance to the princess given that she’s a former Olympic swimmer (at the foundation’s launch earlier in the day, she jumped in the pool with former Olympic diving champ Greg Louganis, also to promote water safety).

Photo Credit: Mike Windle/Getty Images

Blue Ribbon President Julie Goldsmith and event Co-chair Constance Towers Gavin welcomed the Princess and presented her with a commemorative award during the event. They were joined by Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis and Mayor Eric Garcetti, both of whom presented proclamations and escorted the Princess into the hall.

Mistress of Ceremonies Mary Hart then engaged the Princess, who is married to Prince Albert of Monaco, in a Q&A, which focused on what life is really like behind the palace doors as a power woman; specifically, how she manages to juggle so many roles including her foundation, charity work and mothering 18-month-old twins.

Photo Credit: Mike Windle/Getty Images

A highlight of the afternoon was the singing of the National Anthem of the United States by Golda Berkman, 2015 Music Center Spotlight Award Winner and a Beverly Hills High School student.  The event concluded with a performance by  The Los Angeles Children’s Choir.

Renowned philanthropist Wallis Annenberg acted as Honorary Chair for the event. Co-Chairs included Sandra J. Ausman, Constance Towers Gavin, Lisa D. Janian, Louise Korshak, Carole Curb Nemoy, Ricki Ring, Joni J. Smith and Donna Wolff.