The 120-room mansion, Bagshot Park, that Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie call home is about to feel even bigger as they become empty nesters for the first time. Their eldest daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, has been away at university for the past few years, but now the time has come for her younger sibling James, Earl of Wessex to enroll in his own university studies. We unpack how the royal couple must be feeling ahead of this major milestone.
James will be starting his new university life at the Royal Agricultural University imminently, leaving his mother and father in Surrey for a new chapter in Cirencester. According to the institution's website student arrivals begin on 20 September 2026, followed by induction week from 21–25 September 2026.
Expert advice on Empty Nest Syndrome
While the royals haven't spoken out publicly about this upcoming shift, it's likely that there will be a range of emotions as they youngest flies the nest. Some parents experience Empty Nest Syndrome, where they feel at a loss when their house becomes free of their children.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesBACP-accredited therapist Billie Dunlevy previously spoke to HELLO! to explain the impact that this phase of life can have on parents. "Many parents, particularly women as they are often the primary carers, feel grief and a profound sense of loss when their remaining child or children move out. Some parents can experience a loss of purpose, an identity crisis and an increase in anxiety or depression."
BACP-registered counsellor Georgina Sturmer adds that parents should open up about their negative feelings rather than try and mask them. "We might feel a need to hide our feelings, and pretend that we are revelling in the delight of having our home to ourselves. But the reality is that many people struggle with the adjustment to an empty nest. It’s good to express any pain or grief that we are feeling. Connecting with others who are feeling the same way might help us to feel less lonely."
Where will James, Earl of Wessex be living?
© Samir Hussein/WireImageAhead of commencing his Rural Land & Property Management studies, there's every possibility that he'll be rocking up at university halls just like the rest of his cohort.
The university has a range of options for its on-campus accommodation, including catering options so students can have meals made for them. Prices are up to £273 a week for half-board options. The website explains the various options: "The bedrooms are a mixture of standard rooms with shared bathroom facilities and en-suite rooms, and we offer quiet bedrooms for students who prefer a more tranquil environment."
