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For Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, his college experience proved to be different than most. Even though William stepped back from the spotlight, he reportedly had to follow some guidelines given to him by his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. 

Prince William attended college at the University of St. Andrews

Prince William in the library at the University of St. Andrews
Prince William in the library at the University of St. Andrews | Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty Images

Breaking a 150-year-old tradition in the British royal family, William didn’t go to Oxford University or Cambridge University. Instead, he chose the University of St. Andrews, located in St. Andrew’s, Scotland. It allowed William to get away from London and the glare of the royal spotlight. 

Now 38, William began his time at the University of St. Andrews in 2001. Setting out to earn a degree in Art History, he changed his major to Geography during his sophomore year. And after living in the dorms, he shared an apartment with fellow students, one of them being his future wife, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. 

William graduated from the University of St. Andrews on June 23, 2005. The queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, attended the graduation ceremony as did Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. William even posed for a photo with Catherine.  

Queen Elizabeth II reportedly gave Prince William rules to follow

Before he left for the University of St. Andrews, the queen reportedly gave William some rules to follow. According to Joann F. Price’s Prince William: A Biography, she told the young royal there’d be “no smoking, only moderate drinking, and definitely no drugs.” 

And that’s not all. The queen supposedly told him not to kiss any dates in public. She also warned William to refrain from discussing his family with other students. Finally, he reportedly had to agree to never purposely ditch his protection detail. 

With the rules in mind, he attended lectures with as many as 200 students, made friends, and went to local pubs near campus for a drink. William also studied in his dorm room and shopped at the local grocery store. All pretty typical college activities except William had security in tow.

Prince William wanted to be an ‘ordinary student’

Prince William at the University of St. Andrews
Prince William at the University of St. Andrews | Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty Images
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Before leaving for the University of St. Andrews, William spoke with the BBC News about college. He told the outlet despite being second in the royal family’s line of succession, he wanted to have as normal a college experience as possible. 

“I just want to go to university and have fun,” he said.”I want to go there and be an ordinary student.

He continued, saying it sometimes felt like a wedding.

“I mean, I’m only going to university. It’s not like I’m getting married – though that’s what it feels like sometimes,” he added. 

William also said he’d watch for those trying to “take advantage” of him. 

“People who try to take advantage of me and get a piece of me—I spot it quickly and soon go off them,” he said. 

William still has years left to wonder whether or not he and Catherine’s children will attend their alma mater or opt for another university. In the meantime, the Cambridge family’s staying at their country home, Anmer Hall.

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