From the archive: Student Prince, 30 May, 2003

PRINCE William has admitted that he considered quitting university when he became “uneasy” during his first year at St Andrews. In a wide-ranging interview ahead of his 21st birthday, the prince said he now loves the university, but did have problems settling in the Fife town.

“I think the rumours that I was unhappy got slightly out of control. But I was like most people, I think, when you first come to university. It’s new surroundings, new scenery, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It’s the same as starting school and I was a little uneasy. But I went home and talked to my father during the holidays and debated about whether to come back – not seriously, seriously debating it – but it did cross my mind.”

The prince is now half way through a four-year Master of Arts Honours degree. He is also learning Swahili in his spare time and has been made captain of the university water polo team.