Unique royals who attended university and achieved a degree?
Have you ever wondered who was the first to graduate university from the royal family and what did they study? We have done some research and found the following information. In the past the royals did not traditionally go to university. Instead, they took up their royal duties after completing their schooling.
King Charles III
The first British royal to graduate from university was King Charles III. Attending the Trinity College Cambridge in 1967. He studied history, archaeology, and anthropology for the first part of the tripos. He then changed to History for the second part he attended the University College of Wales in Aberystwyth. King Charles III studied Welsh history and language for a term. Additionally graduating from the University of Cambridge with a 2.2 Bachelor of Arts degree on 23rd June 1970. Furthermore as per tradition on 2nd August 1975 his BA was promoted to a Master of Arts degree. The Master of Arts he holds is not a postgraduate degree.
Peter Phillips
Peter Phillips was the 2nd member of the British Royal Family to obtain a university degree. He was the first legitimate grandchild of a monarch in more than 500 years to be born without a title or courtesy title. This was due to his mother Princess Ann refusing the titles the queen offered. She did this as she felt she could give them a simpler childhood. He attended the University of Exeter and graduated with a degree in sports science. Additionally he played for Exeter University rugby league team.
Zara Philips
Zara attended the University of Exeter, where she studied physiotherapy. After University Zara went on to pursue an equestrian career. The horsewoman went on to win an Olympic silver medal and in 2007 received an MBE for her services to equestrianism.
Prince William (Prince of Wales)
Prince William enrolled at The University of St Andrews. Initially Prince William pursued a degree in art history. He then switched to geography in his second year. He met his now wife Kate Middleton within this course. Subsequently he graduated with a 2.1 in Geography.
Princess Beatrice
Diagnosed as dyslexic in her youth Princess Beatrice didn’t let this hold her back. She studied at Goldsmiths, University of London. Graduating in 2011 with a 2.1 bachelors degree in history and the history of ideas. Additionally Princess Beatrice is now a patron for the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre. She supports springboard for children. This is a literacy project for young children with learning difficulties.
Princess Eugenie
Princess Eugenie studied a combined honours degree. This was in Art History, English Literature and Politics at Newcastle University. Additionally graduating in 2012 with a 2.1 bachelor’s degree in English Literature and History of Art.
Lady Louise Windsor
Last but not least, Lady Louise is the youngest niece of King Charles III. She has just enrolled at the University of St Andrews studying English. Its reported that her graduation will be in 2025. Good luck in your studies Lady Louise.
Who will be the next royal to go to university following in those before them?
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