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Why you wouldn't catch a real royal at a debutante ball
Mar 10, 2025
It was founded in 1780 by King George III to celebrate his wife's birthday - and yet, the Queen Charlotte's Ball has lot its appeal to the upper echelons of society, according to an etiquette expert.
The glittering annual occasion - which saw beautiful young women presented to the monarch - was discontinued in 1958, when the late Prince Philip branded it 'bloody daft' and Princess Margaret complained that 'every t*** in London was getting in'.
But the gala and some of its traditions were relaunched in 2009, albeit without its royal seal of approval, by non profit organisation The London Season.
The occasion stills sees young debutantes from aristocratic, wealthy or famous families gather together. However, rather than 'coming out' to society, the ladies now work towards charitable efforts and curtsey to a cake, instead of a King.
On the night of the ball, the affluent women, aged between 16 and 21, dress in dazzling diamonds and white gowns as they enjoy a sumptuous feast, the finest Champagne and dancing.
With tables starting at £2,500, attendance is strictly for the well-to-do - and families from China, America, India and the Middle East, travel to the lavish gala to celebrate the 20 daughters who have spent the past six months fundraising for charity.
Yet you won't find any royals or modern posh British aristocrats attending the party, according to etiquette coach William Hanson.
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