Cambridge and the Royal Marines 

The decision for Prince Edward to serve in the Royal Marines was a decision made while still at Gordonstoun.    It was a simple decision, royal men had always served in the armed services and after Princes Charles and Andrew's stunt in the Royal Navy and the Duke of Edinburgh is the colonel-in-chief of the Marines it was seen as fit and proper.  Edward had achieved good marks at Gordonstoun, but they were not enough to earn him a proper place at the Cambridge.  However as he was part of the Marine University Cadet Scheme, which facilitates the acquiring of degrees to perspective officers, Edward was offered a spot at Jesus College, Cambridge in 1983.  While studying Edward attended training courses over the weekends at Lympstone in Devon and during holiday Edward attended more intense training courses overseas.

At Cambridge Edward grew into his own person.  He urged friends to refer to be simply as Ed.  He became intensely involved with the Rag Fundraising and regularly enjoyed beer at the pub with his friends.  He continued to nurture his love of the theatre and of rugby.  During the time Edward had many girlfriends, but kept them away from the luring eyes of the press.  In 1986 Edward left Cambridge having earned a second class degree in history.  The mark was disappointing as many agreed that he had the potential of doing better.  

In September 1986 Edward began his five year term with the Royal Marines.  After Edward endured the tough physical training in the jungle of Belize and was having no problem with the mental requirements, he decided to quit before the end of his term.  Edward had found that he no longer had the heart for service in the Marines.  Before Cambridge he had been willing to commit his life as an officer, but after Cambridge he was no longer that person.  He simply believed that he did not fit into the Royal Marines and he did not like the route his life was going.  Edward spoke to his friend and former tutor, Gavin MacKenzie about his wish to quit the Marines and then to the Princess Royal and Prince of Wales.  Both attempted to persuade him to stay.  By the time Edward went to discuss the matter with his commanding officer, the press were reporting that he had already quit.  The whole whole British public appeared to have an opinion on the matter.  A poll at the time in a national newspaper gave him an 80 % approval rate.  Years later, however the incident was used as proof of Edward's homosexual inclinations and cowardliness.  The incident marked Edward's determination of forging his own path despite the shackles of royal birth.