The student prince - William arrives in Cambridge to start his new farming course

Prince William arrived for his first day at Cambridge University today, almost half a century after his father studied there.

St John's College, founded by the mother of Henry VI, made a suitably royalist backdrop for the obligatory media opportunity.

His arrival is good news for the university, and the city, according to most people on the streets of Cambridge.

The Prince will one day inherit the Duchy of Cornwall from his father. It covers around 540sq km.

The bespoke 10 week course in Agricultural Management aims to give him the skills to run such a huge estate. It involves lectures, seminars and meetings - but no exams.

It's understood the course is not being funded by the taxpayer.

Some other students initially spoke out, claiming his A levels (an A a B and a C) weren't good enough to come to Cambridge.

But most have moderated their views after learning exact details of the course.

The current Royals have a close relationship with the university.

The Duke's grandfather Prince Philip became its chancellor in the 1970s.

His father Prince Charles graduated in 1970 with a degree in Archaeology and Anthropology, the first heir apparent to gain a university degree, whilst his uncle Prince Edward also studied there.

Despite the efforts of a handful of tourists, today lacked the excitement seen when the Prince and his wife visited Cambridge in November 2012.

It's unlikely that William minded the lack of fuss though. After all, he has work to do.

Read more: Cambridge student newspaper backtracks on Prince William criticism