The Garrick Club, a central London private members’ club, has voted to allow women to join, after facing scrutiny over its diversity in recent weeks.
The club has been strictly male-only since it was founded in 1831.
But a vote to allow female members passed by about 60% during a private meeting, UK media have reported.
Read more: What is the Garrick Club?
Actor Stephen Fry and journalist James Naughtie were among those who gave speeches arguing for the admission of women, it has been reported.
The Guardian had previously published what it said was the club’s membership list, claiming the King, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and Sir Richard Moore, the head of MI6, were all members.
Cabinet Secretary Simon Case – the head of the civil service – quit the club in March just one day after being questioned by MPs about his involvement in the institution.
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In April, a High Court judge was removed from overseeing a case involving an alleged rape victim because of his membership of the club.
Sir Jonathan Cohen was due to hear a family court case involving a dispute between a mother and father over their son’s care, with the woman accusing the man of domestic abuse and controlling and coercive behaviour.
She applied for Sir Jonathan to step back from her case, claiming she felt the case would be “prejudiced” due to his membership.
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A different High Court judge decided that Sir Jonathan should not hear the case because of his association with the Garrick Club, adding that the father in the case was also a “regular visitor”.
The Guardian has reported that several High Court judges and dozens of barristers are members of the Garrick Club.
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Sky News has contacted the Garrick Club for comment.
