THE Duke of Gloucester was given a tour of Winchester University’s business school as he paid a royal visit to the West Downs Centre.

He watched a demonstration of a stock market simulation in the school’s trading room and met past and present students on the university’s degree programme in management (information technology).

The Queen’s cousin, an architectural enthusiast, was keen to hear about the history of West Downs Centre, a former prep school converted by the university.

Winchester Business School director professor Neil Marriott, who escorted the Duke, said: “He was genuinely interested in the university’s business programmes and wanted to learn more about the school’s mission to develop responsible business leaders.

“This was especially relevant as we have recently reached the shortlist for a United Nations competition to better educate leaders for a sustainable future.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Joy Carter added: “This royal visit gave us the opportunity to demonstrate the high standard of education that we are delivering here at Winchester Business School."