The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh made a public appearance on Thursday, hours after their son, James, Earl of Wessex, received his A-level results and confirmed his university place.
Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie attended day four of the 2026 European Athletics Championships at Perry Barr's Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, where they were seen smiling. Edward wore light trousers, a light blue shirt and a beige blazer, while Sophie wore a patterned dress.
James's University Plans
James, 18, will study for a rural land and property management degree at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, after achieving the grades needed for his chosen course. He joined thousands of teenagers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland who received their A-level results on the same day.
The total number of A-level entries has topped 900,000 for the first time, as the population of 18-year-olds has increased this year. James's grades and the subjects he studied at Radley College in Oxfordshire have not been disclosed.
Course Details and Family Context
The university's website describes the degree as teaching “the fundamentals of rural professional practice as well as planning and development, law, valuation, building construction and management”. It adds that students will develop “an essential understanding of sustainability and wider business management to enable you to provide effective advice about farm, estate and other rural businesses while gaining an overall understanding of the multi-functionality of rural practice”.
James's sister, Lady Louise Windsor, graduated from the University of St Andrews earlier this summer with a degree in English and international relations, watched by their parents. She will take a gap year before exploring career opportunities, while James will begin his degree course this autumn.
