Inside the lavish private members’ club where 2-year-old Princess Charlotte is reportedly taking tennis lessons — despite not being a member

AP/Star Max/IPx

• Princess Charlotte is reportedly a keen tennis player.
• The two-year-old royal has been taking tennis lessons at The Hurlingham Club in south-west London.
• Other members of the exclusive club are reportedly unhappy, as the young royal and her parents are not members of the club.

Princess Charlotte has started taking tennis lessons — and is a complete natural, according to the Sun.

The two-year-old royal — who has yet to start nursery — reportedly started taking tennis lessons at the prestigious and exclusive Hurlingham Club in Fulham, London earlier this year.

A source close to the family told the Sun: “She might not be three until May but [parents, William and Kate] were convinced she’d love it and so far she has. She seems a bit of a natural.”

With her mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, being a tennis fan and current patron of the London Tennis Association — the governing body of tennis in Great Britain — it should come as no surprise that the princess took to the sport easily.

Charlotte’s paternal grandmother, the Queen, has also previously spoken in public about her love of the sport and was also the patron of the LTA before Kate took over.

But some members of the club, which prides itself on its traditions, reportedly aren’t too happy that the princess has been allowed to use the facilities.

One of The Hurlingham Club’s many sports lawns.Flickr/Herry Lawford

The club’s rules state that the sports facilities are only open to members and those directly invited by members to join them. Since Charlotte’s parents aren’t members, some of the club’s other guests are reportedly kicking up a fuss.

“Unfortunately some patrons feel Charlotte shouldn’t be allowed to play there,” a source told the Sun.

A croquet lawn on The Hurlingham Club’s estate.Flickr/Herry Lawford

But it isn’t a simple as William and Kate applying for membership — the waiting list for even being considered is long and closed for the time being, anyway.

“Club rules are usually very rigid and they don’t see why exceptions should be made, even if they happen to be royal,” the source added.

Kensington Palace declined to comment when contacted by Business Insider.

Members or not, it’s easy to see why the exclusive Hurlingham Club has attracted the royals.

The club’s estate boasts perfectly lavish dining rooms, manicured grounds, wandering peacocks, and a clubhouse with plenty of sports facilities including croquet, bowls, cricket, outdoor swimming, and tennis.

The members club, which was founded in 1829, prides itself on its exclusive rules and traditions.Flickr/Herry Lawford

The stunning club identifies itself as “a green oasis of tradition and international renown,” according to its website.

Perfectly manicured sports lawns, colourful flowerbeds, and hidden away corners for relaxing —including this flower-filled conservatory — all contribute to The Hurlingham Club’s “green oasis.Flickr/Herry Lawford

“Recognised throughout the world as one of Britain’s greatest private members’ clubs, it retains its quintessentially English traditions and heritage,” the club’s website added — making it the perfect backdrop for royal P.E. lessons.