Britain's Prince William (R) and his father Prince Charles leave the gates of St Andrew's University, Fife, Scotland to meet the crowds of well wishers, September 23, 2001. The Prince will begin a four year degree course in History of Art at the university. [Reuters]

In an interview in British Sunday newspapers, William disclosed that he had not attended "freshers' week", when new students get to know each other at raucous pre-term parties. "It would have been a media frenzy⁴ and that's not fair on the other students," he said.

Since it became known that the shy prince was to study art history in the Fife town, admissions have risen by 44 percent, with a high proportion coming from young women.

The student prince, who has luckily inherited his looks from his mother, Princess Diana, rather than from his father, laughed off reports that some female students were wondering whether they might be in with a chance of becoming a future queen.

"I suppose they're saying that tongue-in-cheek. But people who try to take advantage and get a piece of me, I spot it quickly and soon go off them. I just want to go to university and have fun. I mean, it's not like I'm getting married, though that's how it feels sometimes."

William added: "It will get easier as time goes on. Everyone will get bored with me, which they do."

Courtiers hope reporters and photographers will leave St Andrews on Monday, but royal watchers believe it will be difficult for the media to maintain its current restraint. A picture of William with a girlfriend would be especially prized.

(Agencies)