Grace Kelly Once Threw a 'Scorpion Ball' for Her 40th Birthday — and Only These Zodiac Signs Were Invited
With approximately 60 guests in attendance, it was a Scorpio-star-studded night to remember on Nov. 15, 1969
With approximately 60 guests in attendance, it was a Scorpio-star-studded night to remember on Nov. 15, 1969
When you’re as iconic as Grace Kelly, you don’t just throw a party — you throw a lavish "Scorpion Ball" with an exclusive Scorpio-only guest list.
The Academy Award-winning actress turned Monaco royal was no stranger to astrology. Princess Grace's fascination with the cosmos was publicly known as she requested predictions from renowned astrologer and horoscope columnist Carroll Righter, known as the "astrologer to the stars."
Righter was photographed visiting Princess Grace on the set of The Swan in 1956, eventually featuring her astrological compatibility with Prince Rainier III shortly after their engagement in The Chicago Tribune.
Born on Nov. 12, 1929, it’s no secret that the beloved Hollywood icon was a Scorpio sun, but this barely scratches the surface of her Scorpionic energy!
Princess Grace's birth chart reveals that she was also a Scorpio Rising, with Mercury and Mars occupying this charismatic Water sign. When she was born, Pluto (Scorpio's modern ruler) also made an exact trine to her Sun, which only amplified her magnetism and alluring persona.
Scorpio Risings are often born with their Midheaven — this determines themes around the chart holder’s career, public image and reputation in the world — in Leo, giving those with this Ascendant a commanding presence in the public eye.
Princess Grace is no exception, as her Leo Midheaven perfectly aligns with her glamorous Hollywood legacy, which marked her as a figure destined for the spotlight.
With that much Scorpio in her chart, it's no wonder the late Princess rang in her 40th birthday with such an extravagant celebration.
Here are all the details of the Scorpio-star-studded night.
'The Scorpion Ball' took place in Monte-Carlo, Monaco
If you ever doubted Grace Kelly's fascination with astrology, her passion for the zodiac was made known during her 40th birthday celebration. The Scorpio-themed bash was a perfect combination of mystery and elegance, held at the luxurious Hotel Hermitage, per CNN.
Grace Kelly channeled her Scorpio energy with glamorous intrigue
Princess Grace donned a striking black velvet, off-the-shoulder gown from Balenciaga’s Fall-Winter 1966 couture collection for the birthday celebration, according to CNN. She adorned her dress with ruby brooches (from her Cartier Bains de Mer Tiara, a wedding gift from Prince Rainier) set on diamonds.
On the night of the event, Venus — the planet of love, fashion, beauty and aesthetics — also happened to be in Scorpio, emphasizing the beauty and allure of darker, velvet textures with a seductive and mysterious style.
There were a few ground rules to attend
Staying true to the theme, the guest list was strictly for those born under the sign of Scorpio and friends who were married to Scorpios, which turned out to be approximately 60 guests. The exclusivity of it all is very fitting for this Fixed sign!
As if making the night feel like a mysterious Scorpio gathering wasn't enough, invitations asked guests to dress in strictly Scorpio colors, per CNN, which are predominately red and black. This added to the evening's allure, creating an epic and striking aesthetic to remember.
The Scorpionic decor was undeniable
The Hotel Hermitage's palatial ball and dining room were decorated to look like a mysterious Scorpio sanctuary. Portraits of famous Scorpios, such as Edgar Allan Poe, Queen Marie Antoinette and the sculptor Auguste Rodin, adorned the hotel walls, as reported by CNN.
The waiters and staff also did their part to contribute to the Scorpio theme, wearing red velvet suits and 18th-century powder wigs as they carried red candles in gothic silver candelabras — an epic ambiance worthy of a Scorpio queen.
The specially curated event featured an extravagant fuchsia cake adorned with an elegant ring of golden scorpions and topped with a giant replica of the arachnid.
There was a star-studded Scorpio guest list
Among the notable guests were Swedish actor and model Hjördis Paulina Genberg, Italian actor Virna Lisi and American film icon Rock Hudson. Fortunately, spouses of Scorpios as well as Princess Grace's family members, were also allowed to attend.
There were exceptions to the Scorpio guest list
Elizabeth Taylor, a fellow Hollywood legend, was among the exclusive attendees of the "Scorpion Ball." Though not a Scorpio herself, she accompanied her husband Richard Burton (a Scorpio), allowing her to join the Scorpio-only celebration.
What many might not have known, however, is that Taylor was born with a Scorpio moon — perfect for a night celebrating this intriguing Water sign. While the Cleopatra actress has never failed to make an epic entrance with glitz and glamour, she certainly understood the assignment.
Taylor wore a Tiziani black velvet Scorpio evening cape embellished with two diamanté scorpions on the front and one on the hood.