Sir Elton John and David Furnish’s lavish Old Windsor, UK mansion—the site of their posh 2005 wedding reception—was transformed into a luxurious 15th-16th century Indian palace for the White Tie and Tiara Ball, an annual benefit that raises funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Sarah Ferguson, Elle MacPherson, Elizabeth Hurley and fiancé, Indian businessman Arun Nayar, Eva Herzigova, Ian McKellen, James Blunt, Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia, Pamela Anderson, Rod Stewart and fiancée Penny Lancaster and Sharon Osbourne and her children were some of the famous celebrities who attended the Chopard-sponsored event.

Model-turned-fashion designer Hurley showed she was a true princess at heart as the former Estée Lauder spokeswoman chose to wear a Chopard Ashoka and pear cut diamond tiara with an emerald cut diamond ring, a pear shape and marquise shape diamond bracelet and matching earrings.  Also pampering herself with the royal treatment was The Duchess of York, who donned a princess-cut diamond Chopard choker and a matching diamond cuff bracelet.

Following their arrivals, guests entered the extravagant estate and were greeted with beautiful Indian dancers performing in the lush green garden. Gorgeous displays of Chopard jewels suspended in Taj-style globes provided additional entertainment, including the most impressive piece of them all, an extraordinary 31.30 ct D, IF Ashoka South African diamond.  

After marveling at the fine jewelry and dancing, guests were then led through a strikingly beautiful loggia for an authentic Indian feast. A performance by the reunited English boy band Take That surprised everyone to their delight.

The ball raised more than US $8.4 million.

Chopard Co-President Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele was pleased to take part in the event.

“I am so happy that Chopard is once again the title sponsor for this year’s ball,” she said. “It is such a special event and celebrates the years of Sir Elton John’s incredible work and endless dedication to the fight against HIV/AIDS.  Chopard’s continuing support to Sir Elton John and The Elton John AIDS Foundation reflects our friendship and real commitment to the vital work of his Foundation.”

Sir Elton John was also very satisfied.

“I cannot thank Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele and Chopard enough for their tremendous support over the last seven years,” he said. “Through the launch of The Elton John Watch Collection and their continuing sponsorship we have been able to raise much needed monies to fund our projects all over the world.”