PHOTOS: Inside the 2026 American Friends of Versailles Gala

Saskia Connery and Peter Brant Jr. Photo by Mark Piasecki/Getty Images

“Versailles…exists as a definitive, unparalleled statement that is unlikely to ever be repeated,” the American Friends of Versailles declared on its website. However, despite its uniqueness, like the ship of Theseus, the palace must be restored little by little to ward off the ravages of time. Earlier this week, the organization’s annual gala, called “Legacy of Light” and held inside the Palace of Versailles itself, raised money for a specific piece of history: the famous Salon de Diane — one of the palace’s most important painted ceilings. Charles Le Brun’s newly restored Louis XIV-era masterpiece, untouched since the 1955 restoration tour, was unveiled at the ceremony in all its original glory.

The French Minister of Culture was seen among the crowd of wealthy people Catherine BigardUnited States Ambassador to France Charles Kushner Director of the Louvre Museum Christophe Léribaultalong with Prince Charles (Carlo, Duke of Castro) and Princess Camilla de Bourbon de Deux Cécile. The worlds of art, fashion and design also featured strongly with Galerist Emmanuel Perrotinartist Jean-Michel Othonielstar of the Paris Opera Hugo MarchandDesigners Harry Nureyev and Christian LouboutinArt historian Diana Widmayer Picasso And the jeweler David Yurman In attendance, along with a long list of philanthropists and community philanthropists, including Becca Cason Thrash, Peter Brant Jr and Tracey Amon.

The black-tie evening, which also celebrated the 250th anniversary of America and the French allies who made independence possible, began with cocktails and conversations in the Hall of Mirrors before dinner at the Galerie des Batailles, cleverly organized by the star planner. Lucas Somoza. A lively paddle tour led by the auctioneer Lydia Venet It raised more than €3.5 million in just 20 minutes, with an extravagant list of lots that included a private cruise along the Nile for eight guests, and is Hunt Slonim’s 2023 painting. Aftermath of monsooneight nights for six VIP guests at the Baraza Resort Spa in Tanzania and a French cruise with exclusive private tours of the Louvre, Notre Dame, Champagne and, com. naturellementVersailles. However, the highlight of the evening was the stunning, one-of-a-kind David Yurman Liberty Cable Bracelet featuring over 25 carats of diamonds, which sold for $260,000, giving the room the loudest moments of the night. “I rarely leave the stage during an auction, but David Yurman asked me to wear the custom diamond bracelet to celebrate the event,” Venit told the Observer. “When bidding reached $250,000 for the bracelet — nearly $80,000 above retail value — I walked off stage and, with a wink, placed the bracelet on the wrist of the lowest bidder.” The lowest bidder was thus inspired to make a final bid, and voila, the trinket was hers.

More than just a celebration, “Heritage of Light” was the final stop on the American Friends of Versailles itinerary of four days of private tours, exclusive programs and parties, concluding with a raucous party at the Galerie Basse. But, as Venit reminded us, this was an evening full of substance. “We were able to fully fund the restoration of the massive roof at Versailles, which was actually the point of the whole thing.”