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Prince William graduates
23/06/2005 15:09 - (SA)
London - Prince William graduated from St Andrews University on Thursday in a colourful, tradition-steeped ceremony watched by his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and father, Prince Charles.
The 23-year-old, who is contemplating a career in the army, achieved a 2:1 masters degree in geography from St Andrews University, Scotland, where he has spent the past four years tucked away from the prying eyes of the media.
But a deal with the press to leave William alone during his studies expires at the end of graduation week, after which the prince is due to take a holiday in New Zealand to join the British Lions on their rugby tour and carry out his first solo engagements on behalf of the queen.
"Today is a very special day for me and I am delighted that I can share it with my family, and in particular with my grandmother, who has made such an effort to come, having been under the weather," William said.
The 79-year-old queen was forced to cancel a number of engagements over the weekend and at the start of the week after a sore throat developed into a bad cold but she managed to make the long journey from London to celebrate her grandson's big day.
William, whose mother Princess Diana died in a tragic car accident almost eight years ago, was one of 260 students graduating in the ceremony.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at St Andrews and I shall be very sad to leave," said the prince, whose girlfriend, Kate Middleton, graduated in the same ceremony.
"I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has made my time here so enjoyable," he said.
"I have been able to lead as 'normal' a student life as I could have hoped for and I'm very grateful to everyone, particularly the locals, who have helped make this happen."
Royal aides said, following his summer break, the prince would do work experience at a financial institution in London, join a mountain rescue team and learn more about land management on a country estate.
- AFP
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South Africa
