SCHOOLCHILDREN took a field trip they will never forget when they met Prince William in Oxford yesterday.

The youngsters of Pegasus School were among the crowds lining the streets to catch a glimpse of His Royal Highness as he visited three Oxford University institutions.

The second-in-line to the throne first met students and university leaders at Oxford University's Magdalen College, where he toured the newly-renovated Longwall Library.

As he entered the grounds he greeted students, even complementing a handmade poster from one fan.

As the Duke of Cambridge was led through the Longwall Quad, he quizzed his guides about the correct pronunciation of Magdalen.

Music student Anna Lapwood, 20, from Oxford, got to speak to the prince and said: "It's a big deal, he is a very important figure and it shows he appreciates the achievements of the university."

The £8m renovation of the Longwall Library began in 2014 and yesterday the prince unveiled a plaque to mark its official opening.

He also complemented head gardener Claire Shepherd on her "fantastic" grounds.

She said: "It amazing to be recognised, he was easy to talk to."

The Bodleian Library's £80m new Weston Library was next on Prince William's tour, much to the delight of pupils from Pegasus School who got a moment's chat with him.

Teacher Kathy Hodder-Williams said: "The children only found out about his visit on Monday and they’ve be so excited ever since."

The tour included the conservation studio and rare books reading room where historic displays were shown, including the key that King George VI used to first open the library in 1946.

At the Blavatnik School of Government in Walton Street - described as a "community gift for Oxford" by HRH - crowds cheered the royal's arrival including two-year-old Navy Gee who dressed up especially all in pink with a matching fascinator.

Mum Chantay Gee, who lives in Oxford, said: "Navy loves Cinderella and I have been telling her the prince is coming, so she wants to give him flowers.

"We are from America and of course in America the royals are so iconic."

Prince William met with those involved in the design and construction of the school including donor Leonard Blavatnik who made the build possible with a £75m donation.

After his royal encounter, Steeve Simbert, who is studying at the school, said: "Coming from Haiti I never imagined I would get to meet Prince William, it is an opportunity I would never have had if I did not study here."

In a speech closing the tour, Prince William said: "I wish the current students, faculty and staff of the school the very best as they work in this remarkable new building.

"I hope that this place will inspire them, and the generations that follow."

The visit was only marred by two protesters outside the school of government who challenged the university for accepting Mr Blavatnik's donation.

The university said in a statement: "Oxford University has a thorough and robust scrutiny process in place with regard to philanthropic giving. The university is confident in this process and in its outcomes."