The Prince of Wales toured the new facilities and spoke to some of the some of the students.

The Royal is a former student of the University.

The Prince of Wales visited Aberystwyth University on Friday (10 December) to open the Institute’s new Veterinary Education Centre.

The Royal, who is a former student of the University, toured the new facilities and spoke to some of the students, who began their studies in September.

Reminiscing on his time as an Aberystwyth student in 1969, he said: "I have very special memories of that time and finding my way around Aberystwyth generally. "I'm so impressed having seen what the school has done here and am delighted to have had a very small part to play in helping to open it.

He added: "I do hope [the students] will have great success in the future and the school will flourish."

Aberystwyth’s new veterinary centre represents an investment of more than £2 million in new teaching facilities on the University’s Penglais campus. With state-of-the-art anatomy and study facilities, the centre was funded from alumni donations totalling £500,000 and the University's own funds.

During his visit, the Prince of Wales signed the same visitor’s book that he signed back in 1969 while studying Welsh at the Institution. He also unveiled a plaque to commemorate the official opening of the school.

Lord Thomas of Cwmgïedd, Aberystwyth University’s Chancellor, commented: "It was a great honour to welcome The Prince back to Aberystwyth University. We are immensely grateful to him for opening the School which is, without a doubt, of great national significance. Tremendous thanks go to the staff, students, donors, and all our partners who have enabled us to begin training vets in Wales for the first time.

“The visit today is testament to the importance of establishing Wales' first Veterinary School here in Aberystwyth. It is an incredibly exciting development. Aberystwyth University is growing, and in very important fields: with veterinary science this year and nursing education starting next year.”

Image (C) Aberystwyth University.