Earl of Wessex among freshers in university procession

Image caption, James, Earl of Wessex (pictured wearing a light blue jumper) was among the 250 students taking part in the procession

Among 250 university freshers including the Earl of Wessex have marked the start of their studies with a procession through a town.

James, the 18-year-old son of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, has begun a degree at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester.

He joined students wearing gowns as they walked in the procession through Cirencester's historic streets to a matriculation ceremony at St John Baptist Parish Church. The university is only one of four in the country observing the tradition.

Prof Peter McCaffery, vice chancellor at the university, called it a "rite of passage", adding: "On their way down they are going to meet new friends and possibly life-long relationships."

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