Like many other British 21-year-olds, Prince William is a big fan of London clubland. But when it came to becoming a member of one of the capital's nightspots, Wills eschewed the pounding dancefloors of the city's best-known venues for something a little more refined.
The world's most eligible bachelor has applied to become a member of White's, the most exclusive gentleman's club in London. In so doing he follows in the footsteps of his father, Prince Charles, who held his stag night there more than two decades ago.
According to member Tom Stacey, those hoping to join require a proposer and two seconders before their application will be considered. Their name will then "sit around in a book for a while, collecting signatures, until it has about 35", reveals Tom. And there is also a membership fee of £850, though none of these requirements should prove too difficult for Wills.
White's has its origins in the early 18th century, when its gaming room, known simply as "Hell", became popular with young London aristocrats. Such was the establishment's reputation that the then Earl Of Oxford called it "the bane of half the English nobility". Since then, however it has become a veritable pillar of London society.
Gentleman's clubs are enjoying something of a renaissance in well-to-do circles of British society. In recent years young aristocrats, who have long been turning their backs on gentlemen-only bars, have been making a return to this bastion of British tradition.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
