In the collective imagination, it is fashionable to think that the wedding ceremony of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco, organized in 1956 and bringing together nearly 700 people, was the most important event in the life of the 'actress. We forget that the latter, passionate about astrology and born on November 12, 1929, went so far as to celebrate her 40th birthday by only inviting people born, like her, under the astrological sign of Scorpio. A unique celebration that left its mark on memories.
The criteria for the Scorpions evening
Organized on November 15, 1969 at the Hermitage Hotel in Monte-Carlo (Monaco), Grace Kelly's “Scorpion Ball” had strict rules.
Initially, his guest list was exclusively composed of Scorpionslike the Swedish actress Hjördis Paulina Genberg (born November 10, 1919) or the American actor Rock Hudson (born November 17, 1925). With one exception however: Scorpio spouses were allowed to participate in the event. This is why the legendary Elizabeth Taylor, Pisces by her astrological sign, was present at this evening: her husband, the actor Richard Burton, was himself a Scorpio.
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In addition to imposing a red and black dress code to its guests, i.e. the color palette most associated with the sign of Scorpio, the waiters also had a dress code to respect: powdered 18th century wigs, velvet costumes embroidered with sequined stars, and silver candelabra with red candles. The walls of the Hermitage Hotel were also decorated with portraits famous Scorpioslike Edgar Allan Poe or Marie-Antoinette.
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Astrology, or Grace Kelly's other passion
More radiant than ever, Grace Kelly also played the dress code game, wearing an incredible Balenciaga dress in black velvet with bare shoulders, with two black rosettes under each collarbone, and from the house's fall-winter 1966 couture collection . She also adorned this dress with two ruby brooches set with diamonds, from a wedding gift from her husband, Prince Rainier III of Monaco.
Grace Kelly's penchant for astrology was already common knowledge. In 1956, Hollywood astrologer and columnist Carroll Righter was photographed with the princess and actress on the set of the film The Swanwhere the latter held in her hands a book on Scorpions. The two remained very close throughout the actress's life.
Grace Kelly was the Princess Consort of Monaco from April 18, 1956 to September 14, 1982, the day she died in a car accident. She gave birth to three children: Prince Albert II of Monaco, as well as Princesses Caroline and Stéphanie of Monaco.
