As students across the UK collect their A-level results, the Daily Express has ranked how members of the Royal Family performed in their exams. From Diana, Princess of Wales, who failed all her O-levels twice, to Princess Anne, who achieved top grades, the royals' educational journeys varied widely.
Royal Exam Results Ranked
While some royals, such as Princess Eugenie and Princess Catherine, achieved A-levels, older members of the Firm earned O-levels, the earlier equivalent. The royals followed diverse paths post-results, with some attending university and others pursuing careers in the Army or internships.
From Diana to Queen Camilla
Diana, Princess of Wales, is known to have fared poorly academically, failing all her O-levels twice. The late royal, who died aged 36 in 1997, once described herself as "thick as a plank". Despite this, she reportedly excelled in deportment after attending a finishing school in Switzerland and was particularly skilled in swimming.
Queen Camilla secured one O-level and no A-levels. She attended Dumbrells School in Sussex, then Queen's Gate School in South Kensington, and studied abroad at Mon Fertile in Switzerland and the Institut Britannique in Paris.
Top Achievers Among the Royals
Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor achieved notable results. Andrew gained six O-levels and A-levels in English, History, and Politics at Gordonstoun. Princess Anne achieved six O-levels and three A-levels in English, History, and Politics at Benenden school. Prince Edward secured nine O-levels and three A-levels at Gordonstoun, later earning a 2:2 degree in History from Cambridge University.
Prince Harry left school with a B in Art and a D in Geography at A-level. He was House Captain of Games, represented the school in rugby, cricket, and polo, and was a member of the Combined Cadet Force. After his A-levels in 2003, he took a gap year to travel to Australia, Africa, and Argentina, then joined the Army for a 10-year military career.
King Charles had an unusual education, attending Gordonstoun in Scotland. He finished with five O-levels and two A-levels—a B in History and a C in French—and later earned a 2:2 degree in History from Cambridge University.
