Queen Charlotte's Ball

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

THE SOCIAL EVENT OF THE SEASON

Queen Charlotte's Ball was introduced by King George III in 1780 as a way to celebrate his wife’s birthday.

Up until 1958, young debutantes used to be presented to the Queen at Buckingham Palace, until Prince Philip pointed out that it was ‘bloody daft’.

Not only did parents hope their daughters would meet a suitable young man, the Season aimed to equip the young women with poise, confidence and social skills needed for their married lives.

The white dresses worn by the debutantes are a nod to the virginity that was once required of a bride. They are also a reminder of the outfits worn by Queen Charlotte's ladies, who all would have been single women.

As well as Prince Phillip's dismissal, the Queen felt such an elitist event was at odds with her desire for a more modern monarchy.

Her sister, Princess Margaret, was also reportedly not a fan. She is reported to have said: 'We had to put a stop to it - every tart in London was getting in.'

The young ladies, usually aged between 17 and 20, attend the grand ball where they are presented to guests and curtsey towards the Queen Charlotte Cake

The London Season is rich in history and was formed over two hundred years ago

Prince Philip dubbed it 'bloody daft' and critics say that the idea of debutantes presenting themselves to the aristocracy is outdated and elitist, but for 
certain sections of British society the Queen Charlotte's Ball at the Royal Courts of Justice is the ultimate summer event.

Dubbed the 'crowning event of the London Season' the guest list is hand-picked with care: only young women from the richest families are invited to the  ball where, after months of careful preparation and spending thousands of pounds on each ticket, the young debutantes are able to show off their skills in poise and elegance.

In the past debutante balls were seen as a rite of passage for the young women of the upper classes, an opportunity to introduce themselves to society and seek out a potential suitor, but for today's debutantes the Season is seen as an opportunity to wear a designer gown, party their way around Europe, and do a little something for charity.

The ball was cancelled in 1976 because it was felt it had strayed too far from its more genteel and refined roots, but was resurrected in 2007  by a former debutane called Jenny Hallam-Peel, who was reportedly begged 'top keep the season alive' by society magazine Tatler’s former social editor, Peter Townend, apparently begged Hallam-Peel from his deathbed.
Attendees are now from backgrounds that would have raised eyebrows among the social set of the event's heyday.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2479511/Diamonds-dance-classes-dramas-debutante-ball-Behind-scenes-Londons-prestigious-society-event.html#ixzz2jDa4SOCe