NEWS FOR WOMEN Actress And Prince Dance At New York Ball

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27861, 9 January 1956, Page 2

NEWS FOR WOMEN Actress And Prince Dance At New York Ball

(N.Z. Press Association —Copyright)

(Rec. 8 p.m.) NEW YORK. January 7. Miss Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier, of Monaco, danced until the early hours of this morning and toasted each other with champagne at New York’s most glittering ball of the social season.

A day after the announcement of their engagement, the film star and the Prince attended the ball, which was notable for its array of Royalty, past and present, titled Europeans, bemedalled military men. diplomats. Hollywood film stars, tycoons of American industry and international socialites.

Miss Kelly wore a dazzlin'? offshoulder gown of white, with a «D'ay of white orchids. Prince Rainier wore formal evening attire with white tie and dozens of medals and orders splashed colourfully across his chest. The 1000 guests at the “Imperial Ball—a Night at Monte Carlo” paid 35 dollars each to attend this charity function in the ornate ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria hotel. The proceeds will benefit former servicemen in hospitals in the United States and Britain. When Miss Kelly and the Prince

entered the ballroom, the orchestra struck up the National Anthem of Monaco, then played the anthem of the United States.

The couple sat in a Royal box in the centre of the ballroom, decorated with ’ red and white carnations. Monaco's national colours.

Miss Kelly’s parents’ guest list included a glittering cross section of international prominence. Britain was represented by Mr Peter Ramsbotham. a key member of the British delegation to the United Nations, and Mrs Ramsbotham, who sat with Australia’s Ambassador to the United States (Sir Percy Spender) and Ladv Spender. There were four princes, two princesses. three countesses, two counts, two baronesses. one baron, one duchess and two archduchesses at the ball.

Royal guests included another eligible European bachelor. Prince Charles of Luxembourg—Alexandra and Marie Ileana. archduchesses of Austria, Princess Elizabeth of Croy, and Count and Countess de Dampierre. Hollywood was reoresented by Gary Cooper and his wife. The business world sent Mr and Mrs Jack Chrysler, of the motor firm. The newspaper-owner. Mr William Randolph Hearst and his wife attended and the conductor Andre Kostelanetz and his wife were there.

The ball probably will be the last “date” for a month for Prince Rainier and Miss Kelly. She will leave this week-end .for two months of film work in Hollywood, and Prince Rainier will leave at the same time for a few weeks of deep sea fishing in Florida.

Earlier yesterday, the couple had a ouiet lunch in Miss Kelly’s lavish Fifth Avenue flat and later a cocktail party for friends.