Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie would soon have to face the life of ’empty nesters’ as they will bid farewell to their 18-year-old son, James, as he embarks on a new chapter in his life.
The Buckingham Palace announced earlier this week that Earl James of Wessex will be heading to university following his A-level results.
“Having achieved the grades he needed, The Earl of Wessex will be going to the Royal Agricultural University to study Rural Land & Property Management. He will head straight there without taking a year out,” the statement had read.
James is understood to be trading his room at his parents’ 120-room Surrey mansion in Bagshot Park to a humble accommodation at campus. However, it also brings him closer to his uncle, King Charles.
“While many of us would have loved to live in a royal mansion during our university years, it’s understandable that James wants to spread his wings and move into student accommodation, and where better for him to do that than in Cirencester?” Hello!’sLifestyle Editor, Melanie Macleod shared.
“The town has the same upmarket vibe he’ll be used to in Surrey, with the added bonus of Cotswold charm,” Melanie explained.
“Plus, if his student digs get a bit too grimy (even royals aren’t immune to letting cleaning slide, I’m sure), he’s only a 20-minute drive from King Charles’ Highgrove home, so he can easily visit his uncle.”
It is understood that James is happy being a nonworking member of the family and has no intention to take up royal duties. However, the monarch is likely proud of his nephew for putting in hard work for things he is passionate about.
2026-08-16 16:31:00
