Is it the end of an era for St Andrews?

For the first time, the university and local councillors have snubbed the event because of a row over the club’s membership which, since 1926, has been limited to 60 vetted male students.

Although the club, which honours the popular 15th-century niece of Bishop James Kennedy who built St Salvator’s College, is praised for its charity work, it now faces pressure to modernise its rules.

Following a student petition a university court has set up a review committee to examine clubs seeking the university’s formal endorsement. It is expected to recommend that the body, which first-year student Prince William has pointedly declined to seek membership of, should adapt its rules to modern society.

Several student organisations are also threatening to disrupt today’s spectacle, which draws thousands of spectators to the sight of Mary Queen of Scots parading with John Knox and Andrew Carnegie, with vocal protests and leafleting campaigns.

Dana Green, the Students’ Association president, who has joined the principal, Dr Brian Lang, in refusing an invitation to attend the event, said the day would be overshadowed by the row.

"While everyone supports the considerable charity work done by the club it is a shame that what should be a fantastic celebration of St Andrews ends up being a celebration of elitism and inequality.

"I have attended in the past but have declined this year because it is clear that there are many students who are uneasy over its membership policy. There have been rumours of serious disruption and I expect some colourful student protest."

One of the student bodies that will be protesting at the event is the 1892 Society, a group campaigning for equal opportunities, which takes its name from the first year in which women were given fully equal academic rights.

Its president, Marco Biagi, said the body had already disrupted four Kate Kennedy Club events so far and promised something "more spectacular" this year.

"The tide of opinion in St Andrews has now turned against the Kate Kennedy Club. They cling to attitudes that should have been left behind years ago. By organising this procession to ‘promote town-gown relations’ they make themselves self-proclaimed ambassadors of the student community - ambassadors who can represent no-one but themselves.

"At last year’s procession, around two dozen 1892 activists of both sexes distributed 2,500 leaflets highlighting the inherent unfairness of a club with a public role having an all-male membership policy.

"Our protest will be an organised one but there are rumours of other action which we cannot speak for. We fully intend to continue for as many years as is necessary to convey the depth of the offence caused by the Kate Kennedy Club. We are not going to go away."

Emma Felber, vice-president of the society, added that the club treated women "as though they should be seen and not heard".

A spokesperson for the university confirmed that it would be examining the issue of societies. "Following a petition by students we have set up a review body to look at official societies and their rules. We are not targeting any particular clubs and will be publishing our results in a matter of months."

Despite the fact that Fife Liberal Democrat councillor, Andrew Arbuckle, will not be performing the traditional role of presenting a silver quaich to a male dressed as Kate Kennedy in a long white dress and wig, club organisers are determined to make the event a success.

Henry Mayo, the Kate Kennedy Club president, said: "The university’s stance against us has actually earned us more support and we’ve no intention of changing our rules at this stage.

"Our spring ball is well attended and we expect the procession to be as popular as ever. The club was set up in 1926 specifically to run this procession, which plays a vital role in fostering good town and gown relations, and that is what it will continue to do."

Former president, Toby Wemyss (1996-97), said that the pressure to modernise was a consequence of Prince William being a student at the Fife seaside town. He said: "I am stunned that the university is not supporting the event, given the amount of money the KK Club raises for charity. It is very successful in what it does and to change is pointless.

"The fact that the media spotlight is on Prince William and the university is shying away from the event is hardly coincidental."