A PIECE of Royal history has been brought back home on the eve of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Dresses belonging to Lady Camoys of Stonor Park, near Hambleden, which were displayed at Kensington Palace until last year, have returned.

Lady Camoys was one of the last ever débutantes to be presented and to curtsey to the Queen in 1958.

Then 18 years old, she was one of a number of upper class young women to meet the reigning monarch.

Now, on the eve of the jubilee celebrations, the items, including a pink satin sleeveless ball dress, will go on display at Stonor Park.

It was a tradition that had been going since the 18th century but ended that year.

Since, it has been encapsulated in Fiona McCarthy's well known book the last curtsey.

The event was the highlight of the season when young girls ‘came out’ and were introduced to society through a series of parties and balls.

Ultimately it was hoped that through this social whirl, the girls from this privileged group would find a husband from a similar background. This week Lady Camoys reminisced about that day in March when she was presented in the ceremony to Elizabeth II.

"I was 18 at that time when I was presented to the Queen," she said.

"This ceremony had started under the reign of Queen Anne. Young Ladies from all over England would come to London to be presented and meet other young girls and young men as well.

"It was a very enjoyable year because I met so many people and we were lucky to go to so many balls and that's why we had so many evening dresses."

She said Kensington Palace had done a miracle conserving the dresses they took them for the exhibition in London.

She said: "I didn't think at the time of their exhibit that anyone would honestly be interested but in fact it was such a success it was extended to a second year, it was extraordinary, it was advertised on the tube and everywhere.

"I thought as there was such interest I would put my small group on display this year.

"We held back until this year, thinking it was fitting to tie in with the jubilee."

She said the Queen was a "remarkable lady" and believes the reason she stopped the tradition in 1958 was to move with the times.

"I think she felt it was slightly out of date," Lady Camoys said.

Stonor Park is open on Sundays from 2pm to 5.30 pm and the gardens and chapel from 1 pm to 5.30 pm. In July and August it opens Wednesdays. See www.stonor.com.