Was Kate Middleton the First Royal Woman to Go to College?
Most of us are aware that Kate Middleton went to and graduated from St. Andrews University in Scotland. In fact, that’s where she first met her future husband, Prince William. But many have questioned if she is the only woman in the royal family who attended college.
Here’s the answer to that plus a little bit about what the now-duchess was like back in her college days.
Middleton’s college days
Before Middleton headed off to St. Andrews she spent a gap year in Chile and then attended the British Institute of Florence in Palazzo dello Strozzino in Florence, Italy, where she studied Art History.
During her time there, Middleton’s friend revealed that she did go out drinking and clubbing but wasn’t a big partier saying, “She would like a glass of wine but couldn’t really handle her drink. She’d get giggly and silly after a few glasses, so then she would stop. She was never interested in getting really drunk. She never ever let herself get out of control.”
In 2001, Middleton began attending St. Andrews University and started out as a psychology major before settling on History of Art which is what her degree is in.
The University Herald noted that the Duchess of Cambridge is the first royal bride who received a university degree but is she the only one and what about the ladies born into the royal family?
Princess Beatrice
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s oldest daughter, Princess Beatrice, also attended college.
She went to Goldsmiths, University of London, and studied history and history of ideas. Today, the princess is the vice president of partnerships and strategy for Afiniti, which is a U.S.-based technology company.
Beatrice was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child and is a patron for the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre. She also supports Springboard for Children, which is a literacy project for young children with learning difficulties.
Princess Eugenie
Beatrice’s younger sister, Princess Eugenie, is a college graduate as well.
She attended Newcastle University in the U.K. where she studied art history, English literature, and politics. In 2012, Eugenie graduated with a degree in English literature and art history. She currently works as an associate director at Hauser & Wirth, a contemporary gallery in Mayfair, London.
Zara Tindall
Queen Elizabeth II’s oldest granddaughter, Zara Tindall, also opted to go to college.
She attended the University of Exeter in South West England and majored in physiotherapy. Tindall is also an accomplished equestrian and has an Olympic medal in the sport.
Meghan Markle
Like Middleton, Prince Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, went to college before marrying her prince charming.
The former Suits star took up theatre and international studies at Northwestern University. Markle, of course, went on to become a full-time actress before she retired to focus on her royal duties and has continued to work with charities and support humanitarian causes.
Read more: Who Were Kate Middleton’s Boyfriends Before She Met Prince William?
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