The Royals, including The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales, and the Dukes of York, Gloucester and Kent, are among the chamber's most infrequent attendees.

In June 1974, when the Prince of Wales made his maiden speech to the House of Lords, he joked that it was about 100 years since a member of his family had done the same.

On an earlier occasion he reported that three dukes had taken part in a debate and, getting up one after the other, had attacked each other so vehemently that the Lords was shocked into silence.

In his 16-minute speech Prince Charles used the opportunity to call for better co-ordination of leisure facilities to meet the challenge of "removing the dead hand of boredom and frustration from mankind".

Speaking from the cross-benches, flanked by his cousin the Duke of Kent and Lord Snowdon, the prince made several jokes and attracted frequent cheers.

After the speech, Lord Shepherd, Lord Privy Seal, said that in all his experience he could not recall a speech of such character.