Prince William

He survived it! Prince William holds 'secret stag party' at country estate in Norfolk

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 2:15 AM on 28th March 2011

It had been billed as the party to end all others.
But Prince William is said to have thrown his final celebration of his days as a bachelor in a secret stag do this weekend.
When Prince Harry was given the job as best-man, many thought the party would involve downing cocktails at a string of top London nightclubs.

Celebrations: Prince William is understood to have held his stag doo at a secret party at a friend's estate in Norfolk this weekend

It later emerged that Harry was planning a water-themed celebration with high speed boats and water skiing in Exmouth, Devon, this weekend.
But he changed plans at the last minute after details were leaked.
Instead a low-key event is said to have been organised attended by around 20 close friends believed to have been at a Norfolk estate.
The guests are reported to have included James Meade, who Prince William met at Eton, and Thomas Van Straubenzee who attended Ludgroe Prep School in Berkshire with the Prince.

Guests: Kate Middleton's brother, James Meade, is said to have attended the party which was organised by nightclub owner Guy Pelly

Hugh Van Custem, whose father owns a large estate in Norfolk, is also understood to have been present. Custem is one of Prince Charles' godsons.
The Daily Express claimed the total cost of the weekend was not anticipated to exceed £2,500 as the 22-man group stayed at the sprawling country house.
The event would have taken place closer to the wedding on April 29, as is the tradition for stag parties, but Prince William has a number of royal engagements.
Nightclub owner Guy Pelly is believed to have planned the party with Harry but he refused to confirm any details of the event.
'I'm very sorry but I have got to keep it all a secret. I hope you understand,' he told the Daily Telegraph.

Like father like son: Prince William's stag doo was a low-key event his father's was before his wedding to Lady Diana

It was earlier believed that celebrations would take place at a pub close to the River Exe in Devon. But when the princes failed to appear it became clear that their plans had changed.
'I can confirm that Prince William's stag party happened this weekend,' a source at St James's Palace. ' It was an entirely private event and we don't intend to make any further comment.'
A Clarence House spokesman refused to comment on the reports.
The royal groom will wed his long-term love Kate Middleton next month.

Close: Prince William will marry long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton on April 29

Prince William's low-key event is similar to the stag do of his father, Prince Charles, before he married Lady Diana Spence.
The Duke of Edinburgh entertained some of Charles's naval friends at the Dorchester and famously smashed photographer's flash bulbs.
Meanwhile, William's cousin Peter Phillips threw a riotous event in April 2009 that saw the Prince arrive by RAF helicopter. He reportedly downed pints and dropped his trousers.
The events of Prince William's party were presumably much more milde. He is due to return to work today at RAF Valley in Anglesey while Prince Harry is due to join a trek to the North Pole in aid of disabled servicemen.