James, 18, Earl of Wessex, passes A-levels, to study rural land management at Royal Agricultural University after working as a farmhand at King Charles’ Sandringham estate
James, the Earl of Wessex and son of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, will study rural land and property management at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, this autumn.James was among hundreds of thousands of teenagers across the UK receiving their A-level results on Thursday, with record numbers of students being accepted into university, according to the Daily Mail.Buckingham Palace has not disclosed the grades James achieved. However, students seeking admission to his chosen course are required to secure a minimum of 104 UCAS points, equivalent to BCC at A-level.James, who turned 18 in December and has been dubbed “Britain’s most eligible bachelor”, will head straight to university without taking a gap year.
James develops interest in farming and outdoor pursuits
The young royal has developed a growing interest in rural life and outdoor pursuits. He spent part of the summer working as a farmhand at his uncle King Charles III’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk.Earlier this month, James was spotted driving a tractor on the royal estate, giving the public a rare glimpse of him away from formal royal engagements.One employee at Sandringham said they were surprised to see the teenager working on the estate after becoming accustomed to seeing him dressed formally at royal events.“Everyone is so used to only seeing James smartly turned out with his family at functions at Christmas and Easter, so I had to do a double take,” the employee told the publication.The worker added that James was “more than happy to get his hands dirty and muck in” despite being a member of the Royal Family, and was reportedly willing to work long hours driving tractors.His summer experience appears to reflect the approach taken by his parents, who have sought to give their children as normal an upbringing as possible while encouraging a strong work ethic.
What will James study at Royal Agricultural University?
The Royal Agricultural University was established in 1845 and was the first agricultural college in the English-speaking world.James’s degree will cover rural professional practice as well as areas including planning and development, law, valuation, building construction and management. The course also focuses on sustainability and wider business management, preparing students to advise farms, estates and other rural businesses.The choice of degree appears to align closely with James’s interest in farming, land management and outdoor pursuits.
James follows sister Lady Louise Windsor’s path
James’s older sister, Lady Louise Windsor, 22, previously worked at a garden centre before enrolling at the University of St Andrews. Her experience gave her an opportunity to gain exposure to working life before continuing her education.Their parents have previously spoken about wanting both children to understand the possibility of having to work for a living.When James and Louise were born, Prince Edward and Sophie chose not to give them the HRH titles to which they were entitled. Instead, they were styled as the children of an Earl. Their parents later indicated that both children could choose to use the titles of prince and princess once they turned 18, although neither has opted to do so so far.
James remains largely out of the royal spotlight
James, who has previously been described as the “hidden royal”, has largely maintained a low public profile compared with his sister and other younger members of the Royal Family.However, he has gradually taken part in more royal occasions. In June, he made his Royal Ascot debut alongside his parents and attracted attention from royal watchers after joining senior members of the family in the Royal Box.In April, James was also seen speaking with the Princess of Wales outside St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle during the Royal Family’s traditional Easter service. He was given a more prominent position in the procession, walking closely behind Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children.He also attended his cousin Peter Phillips’s wedding to Harriet Sperling in June.
James’s love for fishing and Balmoral
Away from his public appearances, James is known to enjoy spending time outdoors, particularly during family holidays at Balmoral.He has reportedly developed a particular interest in fishing, with his enthusiasm for salmon fishing said to have impressed gamekeepers at the Scottish estate.A source previously said that James would spend as much time as possible fishing in the River Dee, sometimes accompanied by his mother Sophie, who is also a keen angler.His interest in fly fishing was reportedly appreciated by his late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, who was closely associated with Balmoral and its traditions.James has also been described as enthusiastic about family activities and was reportedly particularly good at flipping burgers during barbecues at Balmoral.
James and Lady Louise could have a role in the future Royal Family
James’s growing involvement in family and royal activities has also prompted speculation about the role he and Lady Louise could play in the future of the monarchy.Last year, Diary Editor Richard Eden suggested that the younger members of the Edinburgh family could make a valuable contribution to the Royal Family in the years ahead.He argued that when Prince William becomes King, he could follow Queen Elizabeth II’s example by asking members of the extended Royal Family, including James and Lady Louise, to assist with royal duties.For now, however, James is preparing for his next chapter away from full-time royal duties, with his university course set to combine his academic interests with his reported passion for rural life and the outdoors.
