William to work in City

Prince William is to work in the City after graduating from university today.

He is to join a leading financial institution which specialises in international finance and commerce.

The 23-year-old is the first future king to enter the world of big business and shows a more modern approach by the monarchy.

Talking about the move, William said: "The work experience in the City was something I was particularly keen to do as I feel that this is an area in which I could learn a lot, and it may well help me with charitable fundraising in the future."

And although the prince said he was not necessarily committed to a future City career, it was an experience he was "very much looking forward to".

The news was announced today as he graduated from the University of St Andrews with a 2:1 Masters degree in geography. Prince William's girlfriend, Kate Middleton, a history of arts student, also graduated in the same ceremony.

Clarence House said the prince would be undertaking a series of work experience placements in Britain this autumn. They said he wants to gain experience of a number of professions.

But, intriguingly, he has left open the possibility of following his brother Harry into the armed forces.

A palace statement said: "The prince is also continuing to consider actively joining the armed forces. He recently passed preliminary examinations which would allow him to apply for Army officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, if he wishes to do so."

William's work experience placements will include:

William, whose graduation was watched by the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla, said today: "I very much hope that these work placements will give me handson experience in three very different but important areas."

He added: "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."

It had been feared the Queen would miss the occasion after falling ill and being forced to scrap engagements, but she resumed them yesterday.

Of his time at St Andrews, the prince said: "I shall be very sad to leave ... I have been able to lead as normal a student life as I could have hoped for and I am very grateful to everyone, particularly the locals, who have helped to make this happen."

William added: "I am very much looking forward to the challenges and opportunities which the future brings - and not least, hopefully, an ultimately triumphant Lions tour of New Zealand."

William and a group of about 34 geography students were among 260 people graduating in the morning ceremony, which was watched by nearly 800 guests.

The prince, who celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, donned a black silk graduation-robe with a cherry silk lining - signifying he is now a Master of Arts (MA), the standard first degree in arts faculties in Scotland's four "ancient" universities.

After the ceremony, William, with his father and stepmother, the Duchess of Rothesay, was due to make a private visit to the local police station, where the prince said he wanted "to thank Fife Constabulary for the constant support which they have given me".

Next week, William flies to New Zealand to watch the British Lions tour.