Prince William adopted a secret alias to keep a low profile during his university years in Scotland, allowing him to experience a relatively normal student life.
The future king, now 40, enrolled at the University of St Andrews in 2001, where he met his future wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales.
A deal between the university and the British press, coupled with his use of the alias ‘Steve’, helped shield him from intense media scrutiny.
Protecting the Prince’s Privacy
Dr Brian Lang, who served as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of St Andrews during William’s time, described the efforts made to protect the prince’s privacy.
Lang said a deal was negotiated with the British press, where they would leave William alone in return for a photo opportunity once a semester.
The policy of protecting students’ privacy was not limited to the prince, but extended to the entire student body.
A Lasting Impact
Prince William’s determination to maintain clear boundaries between his public role and private life has continued long after graduating.
He has spoken about the impact intrusive media attention had on his childhood and the importance of ensuring his own children enjoy a greater degree of normality.
William has vowed to protect his children from the intense media scrutiny he faced as a child.
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