Since 1780
Debutantes
Debutantes & Junior Committee
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Debutante Information
An extraordinary introduction to British society and its charitable traditions
Debutante numbers are limited to twenty-two girls each year. Girls are chosen by invitation to attend an interview in London following completion of the application form.
Traditional White couture ball gowns are provided on a complimentary basis for debutantes for the evening. The London Season is in partnership with Harrods who provide fabulous diamond jewellery for each girl on the evening and create the eight-foot traditional Queen Charlotte’s Cake.
Hairdressing is also complimentary and transport on the day of the Ball. Debutantes are also invited to model hats by Her Majesty the Queen’s milliner at the Berkeley Dress Show held in the royal dining rooms of William Kent House at the Ritz on the afternoon before the ball following a formal champagne tea party.
The London Season supports a variety of children’s charities throughout the world through Queen Charlotte’s Ball. All guests at the Ball are personally invited by Patrons and the Chairman of the London Season. Tickets are not sold to the public or advertised in any way. Ticket fees subsidise the costs of the Ball and help our annual global charity.
White Couture Gowns
Traditional ball gowns provided on a complimentary basis for the evening
Harrods Partnership
Fabulous diamond jewellery and the traditional eight-foot Queen Charlotte’s Cake
Complimentary Styling
Hairdressing and transport provided on the day of the Ball
The Berkeley Dress Show
Model hats by Her Majesty the Queen’s milliner at the Ritz
———— THE EVENING ————
Format of the Ball
A meticulously curated evening of elegance, tradition, and celebration
Formal Receiving Line
The evening commences with a Formal Receiving Line, premier cru champagne and canapé reception for all guests, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening of refined British hospitality.
Procession of the Debutantes
The Formal Procession of the Debutantes is a centrepiece of the evening, presented by fathers to The Honourable Lady Roche MBE, one of the last aristocratic debutantes to be presented to Her Majesty The Queen in 1958.
Four-Course Dinner
The evening continues with a sumptuous four-course dinner with accompanying fine wines, carefully selected to complement each course and enhance the dining experience for all guests.
Dancing & Reeling
Following dinner, guests enjoy dancing and reeling to a live band. Carefully chosen escorts from appropriate backgrounds are invited to accompany the debutantes throughout the evening.
Dress Code
Strictly White Tie / Decorations / Long Gowns for Ladies
———— JUNIOR COMMITTEE ————
Our Junior Committee
A dedicated team supporting The London Season’s charitable mission throughout the year
Emily Wilson
Debutante Liaison Director
I am a former London Season debutante of the Year and Ambassador. My interests include horse riding, water skiing and keeping fit. I am delighted to be appointed Debutante Liaison Director and am really enjoying my challenging role and perpetuating the long charitable traditions of the London Season.
Katherine Benham
Debutante Ambassador
I was raised in Princeton, New Jersey and obtained my Batchelor of Arts degree in Psychology and English from Franklin and Marshall College. After completing my studies, I made my home in New York City, where I work as a paralegal, with a passion for law and a commitment to community service.
Maxim Cheatle
Junior Ambassador & Committee Chairman
Born and raised in London, I am a Merit Scholar at London Business School, and graduate of The London School of Economics and Political Science. Having recently interned as an Analyst at Amazon, I am currently exploring professional options in Big Tech and Consulting.
Marcus Fforde
Junior Committee Member
I’m from the Isle of Arran in Scotland and an undergraduate studying chemistry at Oriel College, Oxford. In my free time I enjoy sports, DJing, cooking, and gardening. I have engaged in charity fundraising throughout school and at home with local organisations.
Isabella Cecilia Aitchison
Junior Committee Member
I was born and brought up in Northumberland. I attended a local state school and after A levels, was successful in gaining a place at Trinity College, Cambridge to study medicine. I have an interest in global healthcare and have worked to increase awareness of antimicrobial resistance.
Oliver Jenkins
Junior Committee Member
I am an aspiring lawyer with a first-class undergraduate degree from Goldsmiths University. I am currently continuing my studies with a Masters of Law at Cardiff University where I have been specialising in intellectual property law.
Jean Frances Kallenburg
Junior Social Media Advisor
I am an American business student from Washington, D.C. in my final year of undergraduate study at the Anglo-American University in Prague. I am the President of Student Council and maintain an active presence on social media with over 70,000 followers.
Hugo Alexander
Junior Committee Member
Hailing from Yorkshire, I am currently on a working gap year, with intentions to study History and English Literature at University. I have previous experience with volunteering and fundraising for charities such as Pancreatic Cancer UK and The Royal British Legion.
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Application to Become a Debutante
We welcome applications from young ladies who share our values of tradition and philanthropy
How to Apply
If you would like to apply to become a Debutante please email Mrs J Hallam-Peel with the following:
Confirmation that you have parental permission to apply to be a debutante
A colour photograph of yourself
An up-to-date C.V.
Your reasons for applying
Debutante Enquiries
Mrs J Hallam-Peel
chairman@thelondonseason.org
24/26 Hans Crescent, London UK
Knightsbridge SW1X 0LL
