The Earl of Wessex, James, has secured the necessary A Level grades to attend the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, beginning this autumn. He will study Rural Land & Property Management.
James, the 17th in line to the throne and son of Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, received his results on A Level results day. While the palace did not confirm his specific grades, entry to the program typically requires the equivalent of BCC at A Level, equating to approximately 104 UCAS points.
The 18-year-old will proceed directly to university without taking a gap year. He has reportedly developed an interest in outdoor pursuits, including fishing and farming. Over the summer, James reportedly worked as a farmhand on his uncle King Charles's Sandringham estate, an experience that saw him driving tractors and engaging in manual labor. Employees at the estate expressed surprise at seeing the young royal working hands-on, contrasting with his more formal appearances at royal events.
This approach to instilling a strong work ethic aligns with his parents' stated aim of providing their children with as normal an upbringing as possible. His older sister, Lady Louise Windsor, previously worked at a garden center before attending the University of St Andrews. His parents chose not to give James and his sister HRH titles, and neither has opted to use the Prince and Princess titles available to them upon turning 18.
The Royal Agricultural University, established in 1845, was the first agricultural college in the English-speaking world. Its curriculum includes studies in agriculture, animal and equine science, rural land management, real estate, and business entrepreneurship.
While largely remaining out of the public eye compared to other members of the Royal Family, James has made several more public appearances in recent months. He attended Royal Ascot in June, appeared at the Easter Matins Service alongside members of the Royal Family including Kate, the Princess of Wales, and was present at his cousin Peter Phillips's wedding in June. He is also known to enjoy outdoor activities during family holidays at Balmoral.
