IT was a first for Prince Edward as he opened a new building in Hampshire today.

At the opening ceremony at the University of Winchester this morning, the Earl of Wessex noted that the plaque he was unveiling was dedicated to a different building to the one that students and dignitaries were gathered in.

“I feel it's a strange experience to be in one building opening another,” Prince Edward said.

“The last time I came here it was still a college so it's great to come back to it as a university. Learning is obviously something that is thriving in Winchester.”

Despite the drizzle, around 70 people turned out to witness the Earl arrive as he officially open the £6.5m state-of-the-art learning building.

He was welcomed by Hampshire's Lord Lieutenant Dame Mary Fagan, and later took time to visit a class of media production students.

Second year student Naomi Pink, 19, spoke with Edward.

“It was great. He obviously has some interest in film production because he understood the roles we each have. He was clearly comfortable talking about film production.”