Annual Queen Charlotte's Debutante Ball

NEWBURY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Debutantes relax before they take their places for a meal during the Queen Charlotte's Ball at Highclere Castle on September 13, 2014 near Newbury, England. Queen Charlotte's Ball is the pinnacle event in the London Season. The London Season is rich in history and was formed over two hundred years ago when the custom of returning to London at the end of the hunting season was celebrated with glittering balls and high society events. The modern group of meticulously selected debutantes continue the tradition and celebrate their year of charity fund raising, etiquette classes and debut at The Queen Charlotte's Ball. The young ladies, usually aged between 17 and 20 and wearing designer dresses, attend the grand ball where they are presented to guests and curtsey to the Queen Charlotte Cake. King George III introduced the Queen Charlotte's Ball in 1780 to celebrate his wife's birthday and debutantes were traditionally presented to the King or Queen until 1958. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)