This Is Where All The Royals Went To University

Prince Charles famously hated school as a child but still became the first member of the Royal Family to graduate. He opted to study anthropology, archaeology and history on a tailor-made course at Trinity College, Cambridge, which included one term spent at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth and trips to France and Jersey.  

While studying, Prince Charles got involved in Cambridge’s drama scene and joined Trinity’s Dryden Society where he regularly wrote and performed plays and sketches. He graduated with a 2:2 in 1970.

Peter Phillips (Princess Anne’s son) was the second ever royal to go to university. He enrolled at Exeter University and studied sports science. In line with his degree choice, he joined the Exeter University Rugby Football Club (EURFC) and even joined them on their group tours abroad before graduating in 2000. It hasn’t been publicised what grade he achieved.

Choosing the same path as her brother, Zara Tindall also studied at Exeter University. After taking a gap year to travel around Australia and New Zealand she became a fresher studying physiotherapy and specialised in equine physio.

Prince William went to St Andrews in 2001 to study a four-year course in art history. However, he realised that art history wasn’t really for him and had switched to geography by term two. While he was a student, William regularly played water polo and partied in his spare time. He graduated in 2005 with a 2:1.

William famously met Kate Middleton at St Andrews where they lived in the same accommodation: St Salvator’s Hall before they shared a house with friends in their second year. Kate studied history of art and was also part of rowing, tennis, and swimming teams as well as making an appearance in the university’s Don’t Walk charity fashion show. She also graduated in 2005 with a 2:1.

Princess Eugenie began studying at Newcastle University in 2009 where she took on a combined honours degree in English literature, history of art and politics. She lived in Castle Leazes halls, which was reported to be ‘sociable’. She graduated in 2012 with a 2:1.

Princess Beatrice studied history and history of ideas at Goldsmiths, University of London in 2008 and graduated in 2011 with a 2:1. As the university was in the capital, Beatrice didn’t live in student accommodation but stayed in St James’s Palace while on the course, reports claimed at the time.

Meghan Markle studied theatre and international studies at Northwestern University in America. ‘It was through scholarships, financial aid programs, and work-study where my earnings from a job on campus went directly towards my tuition,’ she said of funding her training. ‘Without question, it was worth every effort.’

While studying, Megan was part of the sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma and graduated in 2003.

The latest royal to be taking up a place at university, Lady Louise Windsor will attend St Andrews University in Fife, Scotland from September 2022. After receiving her A-Level results it was confirmed she had secured a place and will be reading English.