Court Presentation

The day on which a young girl was formally presented to the sovereign was considered one of the most important in her life.

Application to present a girl to the sovereign could only be made by someone - usually her mother, but not necessarily a relative - who had herself been presented to the sovereign.

The procedure was quite complex. At the end of each year an announcement was made by the Lord Chamberlain of Their Majesties' intention to hold Courts on specified dates in the following year.

Those who desired to make presentations sent in applications on 1 January, or as soon as possible thereafter, simply stating that 'Lady Debrett desires Their Majesties' gracious permission to attend one of the Courts and present her daughter.'

If the request was granted, a Summons card was sent out about three weeks before the Court stating 'the Lord Chamberlain is commanded by their Majesties to summon the Marchioness of Richmond to the Court on such and such a date.' Presentations were always held at 10 pm.

Summons from the Sovereigns were considered to be Royal commands, and therefore had to be obeyed unless extreme circumstances - such as illness or death - intervened.

On presentation, the debutante and her mother were ushered into the Royal presence, and announced. The debutante stepped forward and made a low curtsy to both the King and Queen, who each bowed in acknowledgment. She was then expected to exit, walking backwards, from the Royal Presence.