James, Earl of Wessex arrives as university prepares for groundbreaking change

James, Earl of Wessex, is about to change the grandeur of Bagshot Park for student halls as he prepares to begin an exciting new chapter at university.

The 18-year-old is set to study Rural Land & Property Management at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, choosing to head straight into undergraduate life after completing his A-levels rather than taking a traditional gap year.

But James will be arriving at an institution that is itself on the brink of a major transformation.

The Royal Agricultural University has recently been given planning approval for an ambitious new “Innovation Village” on its campus. 

This 12-hectare development is expected to bring together businesses, offices and educational facilities, with a focus on agricultural innovation and sustainable land use.

The project has been described as a UK first, although construction is not yet underway as the university continues its search for investors.

Leaving behind life at his family's sprawling Bagshot Park residence, the young royal will instead experience university accommodation and the independence that comes with student life.