JUNGLE VIP

PRINCE William is planning an Out Of Africa-themed party for his 21st birthday bash at Windsor Castle.

Guests have been told to dress in keeping with the Oscar-winning movie starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford which was set at the time of the First World War.

And it is believed rooms at Windsor Castle will be transformed into scenes from the African bush for the night.

The Out Of Africa theme will bring back fond memories of William's three-month stay in Tanzania, Botswana and Kenya two years ago.

He was fascinated by the wildlife and conservation projects he saw and said afterwards: "I loved Africa and learned a lot from it. I met some really decent people."

Last week 225 specially-designed invitations to the exclusive gathering began being sent out to close friends and family for the party on June 21.

They feature a cut-out of a grey elephant charging through pampas grass and were made by artist Alec Cobbe, who has designed invitations for previous royal parties.

Underneath, in copper-plate scroll is written, "HRH The Prince of Wales requests the pleasure of your company to celebrate Prince William's 21st birthday at Windsor Castle on 21 June 7.30pm for 8.15pm. Dress: Out Of Africa".

An insider said: "Guests are expected to arrive in safari-type clothes, or pith helmets looking like extras from the film.

"It is a really small party by royal standards. There were huge parties for other royal birthdays.

"William's will be very select and very exclusive. There will be a lot of people who will be absolutely delighted to go - and many who will be furious they are not going.

"It's the party Charles is giving for his son. It will be incredible."

Well-placed royal insiders have revealed how Prince William was determined not to have some "stuffy" do for his 21st and took a large part in coming up with ideas for the party.

"What William did not want was some stuffy invitation going out like normal with gold edging. This is more flamboyant."

However, one thing Prince Charles is thought to have had some say in was the music. "He said we're not having any heavy metal - it's Windsor Castle," said a royal aide.

"It was all tongue-in-cheek. William is more keen on girl groups."

William and Charles spent ages planning the party along with loyal aide Michael Fawcett, who was forced to resign from the Palace earlier this year after it was revealed he sold unwanted royal gifts.

Fawcett, dubbed "The Fence", now runs a freelance party planning company, with the Prince of Wales as his main client.

As a result of that scandal, William will have to keep a precise inventory of all the gifts he receives and will not be allowed to sell any of them. "The only gifts that can be given away are perishable items with a value of less than pounds 50,"said a spokeswoman for William. All other items must be recorded and kept.

A royal aide revealed there has been talk at St James's Palace about inviting a number of high- profile guests from Africa. Last night Elizabeth Duckworth-Chad, whose daughter Davina has been invited , said: "We do not want to comment. The party is a private affair."

Rosemarie Hicks-Lobbecke, whose daughter Natalie is also going to be there, said: "We would rather not say anything."

Kate Middleton, who shares a flat with William at St Andrew's University in Scotland, said: "I realise everyone is interested in the party, but please understand that I can't comment."

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