James, Earl of Wessex Begins a New Chapter as He Heads to University

At 18, James, Earl of Wessex, is preparing to leave behind family life at Bagshot Park and begin an important new chapter at university.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’s son is starting his undergraduate studies this month at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, where he will study Rural Land & Property Management.

New students arrived at university accommodation on 20 September ahead of induction week. The induction programme runs from 21 to 25 September, with classes beginning on 28 September.

The academic year will then continue until December, with the university operating its teaching through two semesters.

James heads straight to university

Unlike some students who choose to take a gap year after finishing school, James decided to begin university immediately after completing his A-levels.

Buckingham Palace previously confirmed that he had achieved the grades required for his chosen course and would head straight to the Royal Agricultural University rather than taking a year out.

His three-year degree will cover areas including estate management, rural business and consultancy, giving James the opportunity to develop knowledge in the rural and property sectors.

The move also marks a change in his day-to-day surroundings. James is leaving the family home at Bagshot Park in Surrey for university life in the Cotswolds.

The Royal Agricultural University, based in Cirencester, offers a range of student accommodation and catering options, with undergraduates commonly living in university halls during their first year.

For James, the area may offer a familiar sense of comfort while still providing a very different experience from life at home. HELLO!’s Deputy Beauty and Lifestyle Editor Melanie Macleod, who grew up in Cirencester, described the town as having an upmarket atmosphere similar to what James would be accustomed to in Surrey, alongside its distinctive Cotswold character.

Following in his sister’s footsteps

James is also beginning university shortly after his older sister, Lady Louise Windsor, completed her own degree.

Earlier this summer, Louise graduated from the University of St Andrews with a degree in English following four years of undergraduate study.

Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie marked the occasion with their daughter in graduation portraits taken at University House after the ceremony, celebrating the latest milestone in Louise’s academic journey.

The royal family also publicly congratulated Louise on completing her degree.

Now, with Louise’s university years behind her, attention turns to James as he takes his own first steps into higher education.

At 18, his arrival in Cirencester marks the beginning of a new period of independence — and a significant transition for the youngest child of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.