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  • A British debutante compared her experience to "Bridgerton," and said there's way less romance in reality

A British debutante compared her experience to "Bridgerton," and said there's way less romance in reality

Maria NoyenApr 22, 2022, 18:13 IST

Daphne Bridgerton, left, and Helena Vardag-Walters, right.Netflix, Kate Green/Getty Images

  • Netflix's "Bridgerton" follows the lives of debutantes and their families in Regency-era London.
  • Although it's set in 1813, debutantes and society balls still exist worldwide today.
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"Bridgerton" reimagines London's debutante season during the Regency era.

"Bridgerton" season two premiered on Netflix on March 25.LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

But debutante balls are still very much a thing in modern-day London.

Debutantes attend the 2021 Queen Charlotte's Ball.Kate Green/Getty Images
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Though "Bridgerton" doesn't claim to be historically accurate, the chairman of the Queen Charlotte's Ball isn't a fan of the way it portrays debutantes.

Characters Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma in "Bridgerton."Liam Daniel/Netflix

To get insight on how the modern debutante experience compares to "Bridgerton," Insider spoke with a current Queen Charlotte's Ball debutante.

Helena Vardag-Walters was presented as a debutante at the 2021 Queen Charlotte's Ball.Kate Green/Getty Images
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Off the bat, Vardag-Walters said gossip and scandals are way less prevalent than in "Bridgerton."

Helena Vardag-Walters was presented at the Queen Charlotte's Ball in 2021.Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix, Kate Green/Getty Images

In "Bridgerton," debutantes have the sole goal of securing marriage. Today, the season is all about networking.

A respectable marriage is the goal of debutantes in "Bridgerton."Kate Green/Getty Images, LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX
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Romance also plays a big part in "Bridgerton" but it isn't so much of a factor for modern-day debutantes.

Romance doesn't play a big role in modern society balls.Netflix, Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

No debutante is singled out as the "Diamond of the first water," like in "Bridgerton."

Edwina Sharma was crowned the Queen's "Diamond" in season two.LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX, Kate Green/Getty Images
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There's far less pressure on outshining other debutantes, Vardag-Walters said.

In "Bridgerton," debutantes are seen trying to outshine each other.LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX, Kate Green/Getty Images

One similarity between "Bridgerton" and the modern-day debutante experience is how glamorous the events are.

Glamorous dresses and glitzy locations are still a thing.Netflix, Kate Green/Getty Images
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Mothers and chaperones play a big role in "Bridgerton" but they're way less involved in reality, Vardag-Walters said.

Lady Portia Featherington does her best to guide her daughters throughout the season in "Bridgerton."NICK BRIGGS/NETFLIX, Kate Green/Getty Images

Real debutantes at the Queen Charlotte's Ball bow to a towering cake — in "Bridgerton," they bow to Queen Charlotte herself.

Debutantes are no longer presented in front of the British monarch.Liam Daniel/Netflix, Kate Green/Getty Images
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Similar to "Bridgerton," modern debutantes learn a waltz but they also get to dance to pop music at the ball, Vardag-Walters said.

Queen Charlotte's Ball debutantes are also expected to learn a waltz.Netflix, Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

"Bridgerton" reimagines a diverse Regency era, and the Queen Charlotte's Ball also encourages inclusivity among debutantes.

"Bridgerton" reimagines an inclusive 19th-century aristocratic society with a diverse cast.LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX, Kate Green/Getty Images
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