William's GCSE triumph

William's GCSE triumph
by Tony Halpin

PRINCE William has passed a further nine GCSEs with flying colours, taking his total to 12, it emerged yesterday.

It is understood he was awarded the top A-star or A grades in English, history and languages and B grades in his other subjects.

The 16-year-old Prince's successes in exams he took at Eton this summer add to the three GCSEs in Latin, French, and science he passed last year.

His achievement has earned him the title of Britain's brightest royal as he prepares to begin A-level studies this month in geography, biology and the history of art. The Royal

Education Correspondent Family was said to be 'privately delighted' that William had done so well in his exams despite the trauma he suffered following the death of Princess Diana.

His housemaster, Dr Andrew Gailey, who has earned praise from Prince Charles for the care and guidance he has given his son at Eton, also declined to comment. Staff at the school have always guarded William's privacy.

William will be joined at Eton this term by brother Harry, who is beginning his first year there from his preparatory school, Ludgrove, after passing the Common Entrance examination. It has been rumoured that William, the first heir to the throne to be educated at Eton, would like to follow his father to Cambridge.

However, in an interview in June marking his 16th birthday, he said he did not yet know which university he would like to attend.

Prince William's GCSE results put him in a class of his own so far as royal education is concerned.

Prince Charles went to Gordon-stoun - where Prince Philip was educated - but never shone at the rugged Scottish school. He eventually left with five O-levels and two A-levels - a B in history and a C in French. When he went to Cambridge, critics pointed out that no state school pupil would have been accepted with such poor A-levels. Charles began studying archaeology and anthropology at Trinity College, but switched to a history course, graduating with a second-class degree.

Princess Anne attended Benenden School, Kent. gaining six O-levels and two A-levels, but did not go on to university.

Prince Andrew also went to Gordonstoun, passing six O-levels and three A-levels.

But his grades in English, history, and economics and political science were not considered good enough for university and he pursued a career in the Royal Navy. Prince Edward followed his brothers to Gordonstoun where, like Charles, he became head boy. He gained nine O-levels and three A-levels, in Engish, history, and economic and political science. His A-level grades - a C and two Ds - were mediocre but he was still accepted at Jesus College, Cambridge, and graduated with a second-class degree in history.

Princess Anne's children have maintained the family link with Gordonstoun.

Her son Peter Phillips was made head boy and passed three A-levels before beginning a sports science degree at Exeter University last year.

His younger sister Zara faces her A-level exams at the school next summer.

© Associated Newspapers Ltd., 01 September 1998