One of the oldest hotels in Portsmouth, The Royal Maritime Club was first established here at Queen Street in 1850. The club gained 'Royal patronage' in 1855, after Prince Albert visited the hotel. Queen Victoria then became our patron. There have been royal visits throughout the 20th century too, including Queen Elizabeth II in 1986 (patron till 2007) and Prince Charles (patron since 2007) a year later. The club gained charitable status in 1883. Membership is open to all serving and retired members of the Armed Forces and their families as well as those of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Merchant Navy, for whom it was founded.