The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’s daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, has plenty of reason to celebrate as she prepares to return to the University of St Andrews this autumn. St Andrews, the same prestigious institution in Scotland that the Prince and Princess of Wales attended, has topped the 2024 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide ranking. This accomplishment marks the first time in 12 years that St Andrews has been placed in first spot, beating the likes of Oxford and Cambridge who came second and third respectively.
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide is considered the most trusted quality indicator of undergraduate study at UK universities. Therefore, St Andrews’ top position is a remarkable achievement. Additionally, St Andrews also topped the recently released 2024 Guardian University Guide. This means that it is the first time that any UK university, other than those of Oxbridge, has led both major UK higher education league tables in the same year.
Louise, 19, is preparing to return for her second year at university. She is reading English, following in the footsteps of her cousin Prince William, who graduated with a Master of Arts degree in geography from St Andrews in 2005. Her cousin-in-law, Princess Kate, also studied at St Andrews and obtained a Master of Arts degree in history of art in the same year. Lady Louise’s choice of studying English showcases her intellectual pursuits.
Like most undergraduates, Louise spent her first year at university living in halls of residence. However, for the remaining two years of her course, she will have to find her own accommodation. Her cousin Prince William and his wife Kate also experienced the transition. When they first enrolled at the university, they lived at St Salvator’s Halls of Residence, known as Sallies. Afterward, they rented a two-storey Victorian terraced house close to the university. In their final year, the couple shared a four-bedroom cottage called Balgove House on the Strathtyrum Estate with friends.
William and Kate, who began dating in 2003 during their time at St Andrews, have returned to their university several times since graduating. They even revisited the campus just a couple of months before their royal wedding in 2011. The couple’s enduring affection for their alma mater is evident, and they took a trip down memory lane at St Andrews during their tour of Scotland in 2021. These visits serve as a testament to the lasting impact that St Andrews has had on their lives.
It remains uncertain whether Lady Louise and her younger brother James, Earl of Wessex, will take on royal duties after university. However, it is likely that they will not become full-time working royals. Their mother, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has previously shared their upbringing philosophy in an interview with The Sunday Times. She mentioned, “We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living.” The decision to not use HRH titles further reinforces the intention to pave their own paths beyond their royal lineage.
Overall, St Andrews University’s top ranking is a source of great pride for the institution and its students, including Lady Louise Windsor. As she prepares for her second year, she will undoubtedly continue to experience the excellence in education that St Andrews offers. As with any university journey, the transition to finding accommodation and exploring possibilities outside of the campus is a significant part of the experience. Lady Louise’s decision to study English showcases her passion for literature and language. While her future remains uncertain, her commitment to education and independence is commendable. As she continues her academic journey at St Andrews, she joins a long line of notable alumni who have made their mark on the world.
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