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Prince William marked another milestone on Thursday, bidding farewell to St Andrews as he graduated from the venerable Scottish university.
His father, the Prince of Wales, stepmother the Duchess of Cornwall and grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh were all there to see him receive his diploma. And Wills seemed particularly touched that the Queen, who had missed a number of official engagements this week due to illness, was also present.
"Today is a very special day for me and I am delighted that I can share it with my family, and in particular with my grandmother, who has made such an effort to come, having been under the weather," said Prince William.
Admitting he was "very sad" to be leaving the university's hallowed halls, he had a message of gratitude for the people of the Scottish town where he has resided for the past four years.
"I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has made my time here so enjoyable," he said. "I have been able to lead as 'normal' a student life as I could have hoped for and I'm very grateful to everyone, particularly the locals, who have helped make this happen."
Still dressed in his traditional graduation gown, the 23-year-old royal, who celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, thanked a number of residents in person as he went on a walkabout. Greeting well-wishers who'd gathered for the event he also paused to say a special hello to one little lady, gently stroking the toddler-in-arms' cheek as she gazed intently at her royal admirer.
Also spotted at the ceremony was the Prince's girlfriend, Kate Middleton, who was receiving a four-year degree as well. |
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