Prince William ‘Got His Hands Dirty’ During Gap Year By Doing This

Prince William reportedly got his hands dirty during his gap year before starting university.

After completing his studies at Eton College, Prince William went on a gap year. During that time, he took part in the British Army training exercises in Belize. He also worked at English dairy farms, traveled around Africa, and taught children in southern Chile for 10 weeks.

Before going back to the United Kingdom to enroll at the University of ST. Andrews in 2001, Prince William shared details about his gap year during an interview with The Guardian.

“I loved my gap year and I wish I could have another one but the best bit was in England. I loved working on a farm before foot and mouth, which is partly why I’ve got so much sympathy for the farmers who have suffered so much… I got my hands dirty, did all the chores, and had to get up at 4 a.m.,” he said.

The Duke of Cambridge added that he enjoyed the fact that he was put in as a hand and was treated just like any other guy on the farm even though he’s a royal. For his work, Prince William also received a small amount of hourly compensation.

After his gap year, Prince William started his schooling at the University of St. Andrews. While there, the dad of three missed the Freshers’ Week because he feared the intense media interest surrounding him.

“It would have been a media frenzy and that’s not fair on the other new students. Plus, I thought I would probably end up in a gutter completely wrecked, and the people I had met that week wouldn’t end up being my friends anyway… It also meant I could have another week’s holiday,” he said.

Prince William met his wife, Kate Middleton, at St. Andrews. The couple tied the knot on April 29, 2011. They have been blessed with three children together.