Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former Conservative MP known for his traditionalist views, has secured a position within one of Britain's most exclusive societies. Despite losing his parliamentary seat in the 2024 election, he has been elected to The XV, a highly discreet dining club for eminent Roman Catholics.
An Invitation to the Elite
Membership of The XV is a mark of significant social and religious standing. The club is described by an admirer as "the Catholic mafia" and operates on an invitation-only basis. Its gatherings are black-tie dinners held at White's, the historic gentlemen's club in St James's, which maintains a strict all-male policy. A member confirmed Sir Jacob was seen lunching at White's before Christmas, familiar territory for the politician.
The club's roster is tightly restricted, typically drawing from a small circle of influential Catholic families. The Duke of Norfolk, the Earl Marshal who orchestrated the King's Coronation, is understood to be the club's key figure, though he declined to comment. Sir Jacob, 56, also remained silent when asked if his late father, Lord Rees-Mogg, had been a member.
Faith and Family at the Core
Sir Jacob's devout Catholicism is well-documented and appears to have been a central factor in his invitation. As recorded in Lord Ashcroft's biography, he has emulated his father's doctrinal example, reading the catechism to his six children during Sunday lunch to impart the Church's teachings. He has even had a private chapel built at his Somerset home, where Catholic Mass is occasionally held.
While faith is a defining pillar, conviviality is equally important within The XV. The club serves as a private forum for some of the country's most powerful Catholic figures to dine and network away from public scrutiny.
From Parliament to a Different Kind of Power
For Sir Jacob, entry into The XV represents a new form of influence following his departure from the House of Commons. The former MP for North East Somerset, who founded a multi-million-pound financial advisory firm, was defeated in the 2024 general election. His new affiliation underscores a continued presence within the upper echelons of Britain's establishment, albeit in a more private capacity.
The revelation about Sir Jacob's club membership comes alongside other society snippets. These include Rolling Stones singer Sir Mick Jagger's girlfriend Melanie Hamrick sporting a magenta top hat on New Year's Eve, and A Place in the Sun presenter Laura Hamilton stepping away from a fashion venture that accrued £22,000 in debt. Meanwhile, actor Daniel Craig expressed reluctance to guide his young daughter into showbusiness, and restaurateur Jeremy King plans to reintroduce chess nights at the historic Simpson's in the Strand.
In business news, Aston Cole, a property scheme founded by Princess Anne's son Peter Phillips in 2022, saw a £2 million increase in the value of its investment property, with assets rising to £7.5 million by December 2024.
