Prince finds life difficult at St Andrews

Prince William has found it difficult to settle in at St Andrews University but is thought more likely to change degree courses than leave, it emerged today.

St James's Palace branded as "speculation" reports that the 19-year-old prince was considering quitting the university after just a term-and-a-half. But it is understood William has found it hard adjusting to life in the small Scottish town where he has been the constant centre of attention.

Since starting his four-year history of art degree last September at Scotland's oldest university, the amount of attention he has been receiving has failed to wane as quickly as he hoped it would once his novelty value wore off.

At the weekend he was back at his father's Highgrove residence in Gloucestershire, where he has spent many weekends. He is also a regular visitor to Edinburgh, where a number of his friends are students. Last term, he spent only two out of 13 weekends at St Andrews.

But it is understood that in the last two weeks, William has begun to find his feet again after the shaky start. "He's enjoying it and getting on and settling down," said one source.

His father, the Prince of Wales, was said in press reports to be among those who urging William to stick with it and not abandon the university.

All St Andrews, students in their first or second years have the option of switching courses. Prince William said when he started his degree that he was more interested in the environment than history of art in terms of a career.

He chose history of art while doing his A-levels, for which he achieved a B grade in the subject. But he said last September: "I'm much more interested in doing something with the environment, but I'm not sure what yet." St James's Palace would not be drawn on William's plans. A spokeswoman said: "We are not commenting on speculative stories."