Who's who at Queen Charlotte's Ball: Behind the scenes with 2026's glamorous debutantes, including an actress and aspiring aeronautical engineer...and who had the best white gown

Glamorous debutantes have shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of the glitz and glamour at this year's prestigious Queen Charlotte's Ball.Seen as the pinnacle event of the London Season, the country's most prestigious ball was founded more than 200 years ago when returning to the capital at the end of the hunting season was celebrated with high-society events. Each year, the young women in attendance are selected following an application process that includes an interview with parents alongside a comprehensive evaluation of etiquette, character and commitment to charitable endeavours. The elegant young women who sported tiaras and diamond jewellery at this year's glamorous event included Shivina Kumari, the granddaughter of Rajkumari Aruna Kumari of Jodhpur and Apji Vijai Singh of Koe. She was joined by model and actress Emma Marie Gosling, who took home the prestigious title of Queen Charlotte's Ball's Debutante of the Year and is based between London and Cambridgeshire.In an online profile, Emma, 21, adds that she has 'almost five years experience in the industry' and explains that she has 'done many photoshoots and four fashion shows' alongside acting in 'multiple short films' and 'multiple commercials'. Alexandra Sendrea, a second year Aeronautical Engineering Loughborough University student, also joined the dazzling line-up of debutantes at this year's ball, and took to Instagram to share behind-the-scenes images from the spectacular day. Described as an 'aspiring aeronautical engineer with the goal of pushing the boundaries of what is possible', Alexandra made her debut at the prestigious event in its 247th year. Each year, the young women in attendance are selected following an application process that includes an interview with parents alongside a comprehensive evaluation of etiquette, character and commitment to charitable endeavours This year, the glamorous gowns were provided by Miss Claire Oliver of bridal boutique store Wedding Wardrobe, while the event raised funds for charity Gam Med, which raises funds for healthcare and hospital treatment in The Gambia The elegant young women who sported tiaras and diamond jewellery included Shivina Kumari, the granddaughter of Rajkumari Aruna Kumari of Jodhpur and Apji Vijai Singh of Koe Debutante Honey Henry dazzled in a white gown at the prestigious event and even shared behind-the-scenes footage on her TikTok account Pictured: model and actress Emma Marie Gosling, who took home the prestigious title of Queen Charlotte's Ball's Debutante of the Year award on Saturday Saanyakta Kumar was a picture of elegance at the event, and undertook a personal challenge of rowing 150,000 metres to raise money for Gam Med ahead of the ball Alexandra Sendrea, a second year Aeronautical Engineering Loughborough University student, also joined the dazzling line-up of debutantes at this year's ball (pictured with her parents)Meanwhile, Ines Schwartz Pytlak, a History and International Relations student at Kings College London, put on a gorgeous display in the glamorous white gowns for the occasion.As part of the charitable work required of debutantes, Ines has ran the width of The Gambia in support of the Gambia Med charity but has chosen to keep herself predominantly out of the limelight. One debutante who is certainly no stranger to the glitz and glamour, however, is Tiffy Fagerberg, who represented Sweden at the 70th Anniversary International Debutante Ball in December 2024 at New York City's Plaza Hotel.Other women who passed the rigorous interview process to attend the annual ball include Mardy Kramer, who recently graduated in Tourism Development and Culture from the University of Glasgow’s Joint Master's Degree with the University of Malta and ISCTE - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa.Asia Burka, meanwhile, took time away from her university studies at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, to attend the prestigious event. Taking to Instagram, her mother Christine revealed that she 'loved every bit of it' and found the ball a 'wonderful experience', having made her debut as a debutante. Saanyakta Kumar, another debutante who has typically chosen to stay out of the limelight, shared several images from the elegant ball on Instagram, including from the private dinner held at Hampton Court Palace the night before. Saanyakta was a picture of elegance at the event, and undertook a personal challenge of rowing 150,000 metres to raise money for Gam Med ahead of the ball.Meanwhile, Honey Henry, who was making her High Society debut at the ball, exuded sophistication as she posed for photographs on the grand steps of the former Palace of Whitehall.'So incredibly grateful to be part of such a special tradition,' she wrote, as she gushed about the excitement of receiving a gold-lettered invitation in the post. Taking to TikTok to offer more intimate details about the ball, Honey added: 'My white gown was made by my wonderful dressmaker Katerina. I designed it myself and she crafted it. I was most definitely inspired by Bridgerton. 'This year, the Duke of Saint Albans sadly passed away, so we wore pearls in is remembrance rather than the diamonds that would usually be worn by debutantes. 'Overall, it was an absolutely beautiful experience, and I just think it's absolutely beautiful to preserve this tradition. I love tradition, and I'm very grateful that this one still exists.'Several debutantes also made the trip across the pond for the prestigious event - including NYC-based Sofia Cady and Caitlyn Rodeo, both of whom have chosen to stay out of the limelight. Meanwhile, Lila Levy, a university student from Dallas studying at NorthWestern University, was a vision in white as she attended the ball with her family. Each year, the young women in attendance are selected following a rigorous application processGlamorous debutantes have shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of the glitz and glamour at this year's prestigious Queen Charlotte's Ball Lila Levy, a university student from Dallas studying at NorthWestern University, attended the ball with her family Seen as the pinnacle event of the London Season, the country's most prestigious ball was founded more than 200 years ago when returning to the capital at the end of the hunting season was celebrated with high-society events In the evening before the event, debutantes are invited to model glamorous hats by royal milliner, John Boyd, during the Berkley Dress Show at Kensington Palace Pictured: Saanyakta seen with Emma at the prestigious event. Both of the glamorous debutantes attended last year's annual ball The 22 affluent young women, all aged between 16 and 21, sported tiaras and diamond jewellery as they enjoyed the glitz and glamour of the acclaimed event held at One Whitehall PlaceTaking to Instagram to share glamorous pictures taken at the distinguished One Whitehall Place, Shivina described the annual event as her 'favourite time of year'. Another video posted by Shivina showcased her being 'presented' at the event by His Grace, the Duke of Somerset - which the debutante described as an 'honour'. The the pair were also seen enjoying the evening of dancing later that night. Posing in her white gown, Emma was a vision of regal elegance as she enjoyed the lavish feast and fine champagne - and was photographed beaming as she stood alongside her fellow debutantes, all aged between 16 and 21. Several of the debutantes also appeared to have struck up a close bond as they posed together in their elegant gowns provided by Miss Claire Oliver of bridal boutique store Wedding Wardrobe.In the evening before the event, debutantes are invited to model glamorous hats by royal milliner, John Boyd, during the Berkley Dress Show at Kensington Palace. The young ladies selected for the prestigious event also showcased rare images from the Dress Show and private dinner held at Hampton Court Palace the night before the all-important ball. The debutantes enjoy a formal champagne reception and dinner at the historic palace to prepare for the festivities the following day.Each year, the young women in attendance are selected following an application process that includes an interview with parents alongside a comprehensive evaluation of etiquette, character and commitment to charitable endeavours.The rigorous interviews ensure they are intelligent, have particular core ethics and either have aristocratic or professional backgrounds.King George III introduced the inaugural Queen Charlotte's Ball in 1780 to celebrate his wife's birthday and debutantes were traditionally presented to the King or Queen.The ceremony remained unchanged – with debutantes paying respects to a large iced cake at Buckingham Palace, overseen by the monarch – until 1958, when Prince Philip persuaded the Queen to stop receiving each year’s crop at Court. After 1958, the ball was held sporadically at various exclusive venues in the capital, with varying degrees of success, before being relaunched in 2009.It has been held annually since, albeit without its royal seal of approval. Lady Howard de Walden, followed by then editor of Tatler, Peter Townsend, continued the tradition and on his death, Peter nominated former debutantes Jennie Hallam-Peel and Patricia Woodall to take over the running of The London Season on a voluntary basis as a non-profit organisation. It is now focused on raising money for children in need worldwide and the Queen Charlotte's Ball has been held in Shanghai and Dubai as well as various grand venues in London. The ball has retained its rich sense of elegance and sophistication, as well-to-do families enjoy a lavish feast and fine champagne before an evening of dancing. Debutantes are treated to complimentary white couture ball gowns and Harrods provides them with diamond jewellery, while guests at the glamorous event enjoy an 8ft traditional Queen Charlotte's Cake. Debutantes and their escorts appeared delighted to be attending the ball in London Debutante Saanyakta Kumar shared a rare image of the private dinner held at Hampton Court Palace the night the ball, with the guests seen raising a toast of champagne in celebration Taking to Instagram to share glamorous pictures of her posing in her white gown at the distinguished One Whitehall Place, Shivina described the annual event as her 'favourite time of year' Seen as the pinnacle event of the London Season, the country's most prestigious ball was founded more than 200 years ago Each year, the young women in attendance are selected following an application process that includes an interview with their parents The glittering ball has managed to retain its rich sense of elegance and sophistication, as well-to-do families enjoy a lavish feast and fine champagne before an evening of dancing Taking to TikTok to offer more intimate details about the ball, Honey showed her beautiful invitation she received in the post for the ball Debutantes are treated to complimentary white couture ball gowns, while Harrods provides the young women with diamond jewellery, while guests at the glamorous event enjoy an eight-food traditional Queen Charlotte's Cake King George III introduced the inaugural Queen Charlotte's Ball in 1780 to celebrate his wife's birthday and debutantes were traditionally presented to the King or Queen Prior to the event, older debutantes are on hand to guide and critique the girls on their dancing and pace around the ballroom Jennie Hallam-Peel and guests pictured at the prestigious event on Saturday, September 5 The 'deb of the year' (pictured, Emma Marie Gosling) is chosen according to 'who has worked hardest' during fundraising activities throughout the season and shown the most enthusiasm The event attracts those from prestigious families from across the UK but also overseas, including members of royal families from the UK, Europe, the Middle East and China A moment for the dress! One elegant debutante showcased her effortless style in an elegant white gown Shivina is seen enjoying the night of dancing guests at the grand ball held in the historic One Whitehall Place Meanwhile, Wedding Wardrobe London shared on Instagram that they were 'incredibly proud and honoured' to have been selected as the 'official gown supplier' for the prestigious event. 'From the fittings in our boutique to seeing the debutantes looking absolutely breathtaking at the Ball, it was truly such a special experience for our entire team.Thank you for trusting us to be part of such an iconic occasion and wonderful tradition. We couldn’t be prouder.'Congratulations to all of the beautiful 2026 debutantes – what an unforgettable evening! An absolute privilege and a moment we will never forget.'The London Season runs for six months of the year, and includes sporting events, cocktail parties, dances and concerts.To become a debutante with the London Season, the young women must apply by sending a CV and covering letter with a photograph before being accepted for an interview.It's a stark difference to how debutantes were selected when royals were part of the proceedings, with only young women who were sponsored by a lady who was a former debutante being put forward.Now, once accepted, debutantes – who must pay £500 for their ticket to attend the annual ball – spend six months raising funds for charity through fun runs, ticketed events and bake sales. The young women who attend the event always wear stunning gowns and glittering jewellery Once accepted, debutantes – who must pay £500 for their ticket to attend the annual ball – spend six months raising funds for charity through fun runs, ticketed events and bake sales All the 150 guests that attend the ball are personally invited by Patrons and the Chairman of the London Season The group of meticulously selected debutantes wore dresses provided by Miss Claire Oliver of Wedding Wardrobe The radiant debutantes line up in the ballroom before the ball begins in One Whitehall Place A cheerful young lady showcases her elegant ensemble before attending the ball Guests dressed in their finery proudly showcase their outfits as they attend the event Champagne was on offer for guests at the event, attended by 150 in their finery One glamorous debutante is pictured arriving at the dazzling event with her escort This elegant debutante decided to pair her dress with sophisticated pearls rather than shimmering diamonds A woman looks at her phone while getting ready for the glittering occasion with her friends Debutantes were all smiles for the annual prestigious event The Patrons of the event are the Duke and Duchess of St Albans, the Duke and Duchess of Somerset and Sir David Roche, fifth baronetPrior to the event, older debutantes are on hand to guide and critique the girls on their dancing and pace around the ballroom.On the day itself, an army of professional hair and make-up artists are on hand to make sure that the girls are glowing.In the evening before the event, debutantes are invited to model glamorous hats by royal milliner, John Boyd, during the Berkley Dress Show at Kensington Palace. The event attracts those from prestigious families from across the UK but also overseas, including members of royal families from the UK, Europe, the Middle East and China.All the 150 guests that attend the ball are personally invited by Patrons and the Chairman of the London Season.The Patrons of the event are the Duke and Duchess of St Albans, the Duke and Duchess of Somerset and Sir David Roche, fifth baronet.The London Season's website says: '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 the most sought after ball in the world and the highlight of the London Season calendar. Tickets are always by personal invitation only and limited to 150 guests.'A spokesman for the event told The Daily Mail: 'Approximately 50 per cent of the girls are from families whose mothers and grandmothers and great grandmothers have been involved with the London season for over 100 years.'