Prince William has been married to Kate Middleton since 2011 (I know, it feels like a lifetime ago). Three kids and a bazillion royal appearances later, and Prince William has settled nicely into fatherhood and married life. But before that, Prince William had a legit bachelor party with 20 of his close friends at a country estate in Norfolk, England before he and Kate became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Of course, the secret all-male soirée was planned by Guy Pelly (who later became Prince Louis' godfather) and William's brother Harry (William returned the favor for Harry's 2018 wedding) with “military precision” after their original plans for a water-themed celebration with speed boats and water skiing were leaked to the press. But the details of the event eventually made the way to The Sun, of course.
In attendance alongside Prince Harry and Pelly were Thomas van Straubenzee, Ed and Hugh van Cutsem, and Tom “Skippy” Inskip, who all agreed on a “what goes on tour, stays on tour” secrecy pact before their bachelor weekend was underway. The event took place at the historic Hartland Abbey, which is a former monastery and dates back to the 12th Century. It's owned by the Stucley family, whose son George is a close friend of Prince William's, and who was also in attendance. Can you imagine if they had asked him to use his estate and not invited him? My imagination has run wild.
A source told The Sun: “On the Friday night the boys met up for what was to be a low-key evening. They had booked out the whole estate to ensure privacy and Lady Stucley’s son George personally made sure that no one knew who was coming. On Saturday morning they had a hearty breakfast before heading outside for an hour’s clay pigeon shooting. They had a competition to see who was the best shot, but it didn’t get too competitive. While there, they polished off several bottles of vintage port.” Vintage port! How fancy! My friend's bachelorette party just drank Mad Dogg 2020.
The men also took advantage of the sunny weather and the fact that Hartland Abbey has its own private section of coastline, and spent the afternoon surfing at Speke Mill, a spot located a couple of miles to the south.
The bachelor party wasn't as wild and crazy as some may have expected. The weekend was far from a royal version of The Hangover. The same source told The Sun: “It was a relatively tame stag weekend by a lot of people’s standards. It was just about a group of lads having a good time without their other halves.”
But that doesn't mean that William wasn't victim to the typical bachelor party shenanigans. No, they didn't attach him with strippers: The men got caught up in a rousing game of The Name Game, where each player having a post-it note stuck to their forehead with the name of a mystery celebrity written on it. They then take turns asking questions to try and discover whose name appears on their Post-it. Each question you ask, you take a drink before. The source shared, “Apparently the boys had written The Queen on William’s post-it note. It took him several questions before he worked out why everyone was laughing.”
Oh, you wild and crazy kids!
For more *stories like this, including* celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
-
Here's Where Textured Hair Education in America Stands in 2025Meet the leaders behind the movement for more equitable hair care.
-
We Can't Promise You Won't Get Nightmares After Watching These 32 Great But Terrifying Paranormal MoviesBring on the jump scares.
-
Rihanna Lets Her Curls Out to Play In a New Fenty Beauty Campaign.Fenty Beauty is releasing a new product and Rihanna showed off her natural hair to help promote it. See the look here.
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Issue Statement on California's Devastating WildfiresThe Sussexes addressed the disaster, which is "affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life."
-
Princess Kate Has Been Honored With Birthday Charity Earrings That Support a Cause Close to Her HeartProceeds from the $34 style will benefit a charity the Princess of Wales has paid tribute to in the past.
-
Queen Elizabeth's Final Birthday Gift to Kate Middleton Was a Precious Heirloom With Specific Rules AttachedThe present, which was from the Queen's private collection, "brought tears to Kate's eyes."
-
How Princess Kate Broke Tradition with Her Stunning 43rd Birthday PhotoThe Princess of Wales posed for a black-and-white pic by one of her favorite photogs.
-
Despite 2025 Being "the Year of Reset," Princess Kate Will Likely Do This Before Going Back to Regular DutiesRoyal biographer Robert Hardman tells 'Marie Claire' that fans shouldn't expect Kate to go "back to 2023 levels" of appearances.
-
Meghan Markle Shares Her Most Personal Instagram Post Yet—Including Rare Glimpses of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—After Their Beloved Dog Dies"Thank you for so many years of unconditional love, my sweet Guy. You filled my life in ways you’ll never know."
-
Prince William Is the "Ultimate Nepo Baby," According to Spice Girl Mel B's Daughter Phoenix"There's been rising anger in recent years—almost to the point of obsession on social media."
