Queen Charlotte's Ball, London, England
Queen Charlotte's Ball, London, England
Founded in 1780 by King George III in honor of his wife’s birthday, Queen Charlotte’s Ball was the first debutante ball in the world, and existed in its original form for close to two centuries. In an elaborate –- and as years passed, increasingly archaic -– ceremony, Britain’s most well-bred bachelorettes were presented to the Queen at Buckingham Palace, marking the beginning of the British social season. In 1958 Queen Elizabeth ended the tradition, but not without the support of her husband, Prince Philip (who called the ball “bloody daft,”) and her sister, Princess Margaret (who is said to have complained that “every tart in London was getting in.”)
But like the British monarchy itself, Queen Charlotte’s Ball has received a 21st century makeover. In recent years the ball has been held at various posh London locations, such as the Savoy hotel in 2011, and the debutantes arrive at the party in chauffeured Maserati’s. Not all of the pomp of the original ball is dead though: the girls are still required to wear white gowns, but event sponsor Mikimoto makes sure every debutante is totally blinged out in their pearls and jewels.
[Photo via]
.jpg "How Comms Guru & Founder Of The PR Net Lisa Smith Put Her Stylish Stamp On The Industry")
.jpg "Who Are The Assoulines? Meet The Chic First Family Of Luxury Publishing")
.jpg "Who Is Nats Getty? The Oil Heir & Trans Activist Is Living Life Loud & Proud")
.jpg "Worldly Socialite Haya Maraka's Elegant Etiquette Tips For The Modern Lady")
.jpg "Haute Hostess Christine Chiu's Guide To Throwing The Most Fabulous Fête")
.jpg "Who Is Tamara Falcó? Meet Spain's Biggest Socialite Turned Netflix Reality Star")
