Prince William is receiving the ire of Cambridge students who believe he's getting a "free pass" place at Cambridge University, while falling short of their usual high standards, UK MailOnline reported.
The Duke of Cambridge, 31, was admitted to the prestigious institution for a 10-week "bespoke" course in agricultural management, which will see him study for 18 to 20 hours a week at part of the university's school of Technology.
But it was quickly pointed by the students and graduates that the Prince's "mediocre" results from his A-Level studies at Eton were not up to the standards of the average Cambridge student.
According to UK MailOnline, while the university now asks for two A grades and an A* at A-Level in order to study undergraduate courses - with even harsher offers for some - Prince William only achieved ABC in his studies.
"The Tab must point out that normally students need A*AA at A-level to gain entry to Cambridge University, whilst the Prince only achieved a mediocre ABC," University newspaper the Tab wrote.
Prince William, who already holds a geography degree from St Andrew's university, has different entry requirements as a post graduate than younger students. But his acceptance on the course has still been described as an "insult" to everybody studying there.
His presence would make it harder for the university to shake off it's "posh" image and attract less privileged students, Melissa Berrill, who graduated with a Cambridge degree in French and German this summer, wrote in the Guardian.
"Admitting Prince William is an insult to every student, whatever their background, who got into Cambridge by getting the required A-level or degree results." she said. "It's an insult to every student whose A-levels and degree are the same or better than his, and who didn't get a free pass to Cambridge in spite of them. And it's an insult to everyone in the country who needs skills or training, and hasn't had a university course personally designed for them."
However, the news of Cambridge's newest royal was also welcomed by many students. Charlotte Ivers, a first-year Philosophy student, described his arrival as "a joyous coup" that would bring the university "a lot of publicity in return."
"Has Oxford educated the next two monarchs of our great nation? Hell no," she said.
The Prince continues a family tradition by studying at Cambridge. His father Prince Charles graduated with a degree in Archaeology and Anthropology in 1970, and George VI was also a student there. Prince Phillip was Chancellor of the university from 1976 to 2011, according to UK MailOnline.
Prince William is likely to spend two or three nights a week in Cambridge while studying, said a Kensington Palace spokesman. No award or qualification will be awarded to the Duke at the end of the course, which he is set to finish in mid-March.
"Like his father, the Duke is very much a countryman, he enjoys and is passionate about the countryside and its people," an aide said.