Prince William has given a candid interview to mark his final year at university, revealing his thoughts about the pressures of his role and the challenges that lie ahead.
Have you had a good time at St Andrews?
"I've had a really good time, it's been brilliant. I've really enjoyed it."
What's been so good about it?
"Basically, apart from the fact all the locals are really warm, friendly and I get on really well with them, I've been left alone by the media, in a big way actually, and for that I am very grateful. It's been just three and a half years obviously so far where I've been very independent and been left alone to study and do my own thing."
Have you been able to lead as normal a life as someone like you can?
"Definitely. There's lots of people saying it's impossible to lead a normal life really but actually up here, and with the media out of it, it's amazing how people just get on with their lives and will not bother you. Everyone up here, I have to say, has been as good as gold, I couldn't ask for anything better. I used to walk around with a baseball cap; I don't anymore because everyone doesn't really care anymore. It's just brilliant."
You haven't had to wear a wig or anything ridiculous like that?
"No. That's a different issue actually, but no I haven't."
Are you able to do basic things, such as going to the shops?
"I do all my own shopping. I go out, get takeaway, rent videos, go to the cinema, just basically anything I want to really. There are obviously certain talks I can't go to if people come up here, but that's really the only restriction."
But initially presumably when you were in a shop, they must have done a double take when you were at the checkout?
"Not really. Obviously if it's in London, or somewhere like that, then yes because people are like 'hang on a sec, isn't that someone or other?'. But up here it's so good because everyone sees me around the whole time and it's no big deal, which is what I really want it to be.
"The last thing I want to do is cause loads of hype or problems, I just want to go in there and get my asparagus or whatever. So, it's really worked well."
So you've got to the stage where you can go in, buy your asparagus, hand over a note with your grandmother on it and no-one reacts?
"Usually I'm not organised enough to have cash, I pay with my credit card. But apart from that, yes."
That must be very precious to you.
"Yes it is and you know I've been lucky enough to know this side of it and I always hope it's going to stay that way, because deep down I am pretty normal. I'm not really big into fanfare and excitement and things like that but I can rise to the occasion when I need to."
Have you had odd approaches in the street?
"I've had the odd one or two. If you're implying that I've been proposed to in the street, then yes I have. And people sort of come up to me, Jehovah's witnesses, I've had very devout Christians come up saying 'there's more to the word of God'.
"I've had lots of kids come up and ask for my autograph, I've had a grandmother stop me and ask me if I know a good place to buy underwear."
Do you?
"No, actually, I don't. I was a bit stuck by that one. I didn't mind being proposed to but that one really caught me out. I was a little bit stumped as to what to say on that one."
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