A White Tie Weekend At Versailles With New York Society Staples & International Royals

To be an American in Paris is magical - to be an American at Versailles for a days-long, once-in-a-lifetime, historic celebration, well that's just too much, no?

This past weekend, the international social scene's philanthropic staples, with their most gorgeous gowns and handsome tails in tow of course, flocked to Europe's most stunning palace for The Royal Versailles Ball, held in recognition of Queen Victoria’s 203rd birthday and her attendance as a guest of honor at Napoleon III’s original ball in 1855. 

A charitable fête, all proceeds from the event will be directed to UNICEF UK, Street Child and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, three registered charities that deliver educational development programs for some of the most vulnerable children around the world, including those affected by the war in Ukraine. 

Forty six countries were represented at the posh affair, with a strong New York contingent (including Laura Day Webb, Lizzie Asher, Mercedes de Guardiola, Casey Kohlberg, Larry Milstein and more) leading the fun as guest's enjoyed a parade of fabulous goings-on...

To begin, Thursday welcomed the festivities with an exclusive black tie evening at Airelles Le Grand Contrôle on the Versailles grounds, complete with a cognac tasting by Louis XIII, a scenting of the room by Clive Christian Perfumes, and a seven course tasting menu by Alain Ducasse and stunning table displays by Queen Jewels. 

To follow on Friday, guests were received at the British Ambassador's residence the evening for a lively auction by Bonham’s.

And on Saturday, the pièce de résistance! The white tie soirée included everything from guided private visits of the Château and a performance by acclaimed violinist Yuri Revich in the Hall of Mirrors, where the musician played the $36 million Stradivarius violin "Princess Aurora," to a champagne reception in the South Parterre, a dinner at the L’ Orangerie accompanied by a performance by Debbie Weisman OBE, and a dazzling fireworks display which lit up the ground's impeccable gardens.

Curious to see inside the stunning royalty-filled festivities?

[Photos by BFA / Rowben Latino / Giovanni Mocchetti]