Princess Catherine Colonna de Stigliano was born in Paris and became a graduate of International law and economics. The Princess has worked with some of the very best ad agencies, gaining invaluable experience with the groups of Louis Vuitton and Givenchy perfumes. Just like her Grandfather Prince Ferdinand d’Altora Colonna de Stigliano, she is dedicated to philanthropy and has been for over 10 years, helping noteworthy causes close to her heart.

The Bal de l'Eté and the Bal des Etoiles were created by Princess Catherine de Stigliano in 1996, for the sole benefit of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Monaco and the Pain Without Borders in Paris, Both events are on the top social agendas of the rich and famous. Along with being supported by some of the most prestigious select families from around the world including His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco.

The very definition of happiness is an uphill task to grasp. My experince of true felicity is that it is indeed fleeting in nature and should be latched on to without a moment's hesitation.I believe that true happiness is the hidden dimension of an elegant Universe.

I was strolling down the street alongside beautiful and finely attired denizens in one of Paris's most exclusive areas, catching the usual sights and sounds comprising of shops bursting with designer clothes and sumptuous gourmet offerings when my attention was drawn towards a far more more captivating sight.

Advancing towards me in the opposite direction on the pavement was an elderly lady of a certain age, shuffling along with a tired and forelorn gaze clutching a bag with all her belongings. Although she was evidently in need of care, she seemed for all intents and purposes invisible to the passers by. She came to a halt in front of a pastry shop, where an immaculately turned out young woman on the verge of entering glanced at her and reacted by promptly avoiding contact, returning to her vehicle.

This moment rippled through every fibre of my being, there are moments in life where one ponders over what one has witnessed and others where one acts. My preference is for action.I wasted no time in introducing myself to the wandering Angel and inviting her for tea.

My new lady friend and I spent a divine afternoon getting acquainted, her company was pure joy and it soon dawned on me that the honour of spending some quality time with an immensely interesting person was all mine. We resolved to meet every Thursday for tea and philosophy, meanwhile I shall try my utmost to give her a discreet helping hand.

These exhilarating hours crystallized for me the long sought quest for rare moments of genuine peace: when one feels that throughout the farthest reaches of the Universe all our destinies are intertwined and that true salvation is through your neighbours happiness.

The World is a magical space which offers us a plethora of opportunities to surpass ourselves and transcend our petty differences. I would wish for a true Jeffersonian revolution of information and transparence whereby one could circumvent needless existing rules which promote secrecy and corruption.

I have realized over the past few years that although our means of communication do not cease to accumulate, we are far less likely to elaborate on ideas or illustrate our thoughts with each other as various and increasing constraints burden our every-day lives.

The time has come to throw off the shackles of illusionary limits and therefore I have tirelessly extolled the virtues of interaction and communication at the "Bal de l'Eté" in Monaco and the "Bal des Etoiles" in Paris between generations, cultures, civilisations and genders since their inception. The limits that we draw are of our own making, I am an inherent optimist in our ability to fashion and preserve a World where we can tackle the immense environmental and economic challenges by bypassing the archaic structures put in place by various vested interests.

Of the people, by the people, for the people.

Editorial | Image Courtesy Of Princess Catherine Colonna De Stigliano