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Duchess of Gloucester cuts cake, Queen Charlottes Ball
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Duchess of Gloucester cuts cake, Queen Charlottes Ball
The Duchess of Gloucester (1901 -2004) cutting the giant cake holding 194 electric candles representing the number of years since the birth of Queen Charlotte at the ball named after her. Queen Charlottes Ball, held in honour of the wife of King George III and revived in 1925 to raise funds for the maternity hospital of the same name was one of the highlights of the London Season for a debutante. All the girls would be dressed in white, and would dip into a carefully choreographed curtsy as the cake was cut. There was apparently quite a scrum to get a piece of the cake afterwards! Date: 1938
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Media ID 14125551
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1938 Alice Ball Balls Cake Candles Classes Debs Debutante Debutantes Duchess Giant Gloucester Season Upper
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photograph, the Duchess of Gloucester, Her Royal Highness Alice, Cutting the Giant Cake at Queen Charlotte's Ball in 1938, is a stunning representation of the elegance and grandeur of London's social scene during that era. The Duchess, dressed in regal attire, holds a giant cake adorned with an impressive 194 electric candles, symbolizing the number of years since the birth of Queen Charlotte, the namesake of the event. Queen Charlotte's Ball was a prestigious event held in honor of the wife of King George III and was revived in 1925 to raise funds for the maternity hospital of the same name. The ball was a highlight of the London Season for debutantes, where all the young women would dress in white and curtsy as the cake was ceremoniously cut. The event was a significant milestone in the social calendar for debutantes, marking their entrance into high society. The scrum to get a piece of the cake afterwards was a testament to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event. The photograph captures a moment in history, showcasing the elegance, tradition, and opulence of London's upper classes during the 1930s. The Duchess of Gloucester's poised expression and the intricately decorated cake make for a captivating image that transports us back in time. This photograph is a beautiful reminder of the rich history and traditions that continue to shape London's social scene.
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