The Dalai Lama has been honoured by St Andrews

But the university has also provided an education to a number of important figures in the arts, politics, science - not to mention sword fighting.

The latter skill was boasted by Scottish adventurer James Crichton, whose nickname gave JM Barrie the title of his play The Admirable Crichton.

Born in 1560, he travelled widely in Europe and earned a reputation as a swordsman, poet and scholar before his death in a swordfight in Italy.

He was born a decade before another of St Andrews' renowned graduates, John Napier.

The inventor of logarithms started his studies at the university in 1563 at the tender age of 13.

Scottish actor Sir Sean Connery

James Wilson, one of the fathers of the American constitution, was also educated at St Andrews.

He was an influential figure in drawing up the constitution.

In more recent times, former student Sir James Black won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1988.

He received a joint award with Gertrude B.Elion and George H.Hitchings in recognition of the trio's discovery of "important principles" leading to the development of a series of new drugs.

St Andrews was also the seat of learning for former Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond, who graduated in economics and history.

Actress Helen Mirren is an honorary graduate

Mr Salmond worked as an economist before entering parliament as MP for Banff and Buchan in 1987 and going on to lead the party for 10 years.

The ranks of former alumni include English author Fay Weldon, who was made a CBE last year.

She has written more than 20 books, including Wicked Women, The Cloning of Joanna May, and The Life and Loves of a She-Devil.

The literary tradition also extends to the university's honorary graduates, which include Harry Potter author JK Rowling and Iain Banks, the Fife writer whose works include The Wasp Factory and The Crow Road.

The list of honorary graduates produces an eclectic array of names, ranging from Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to Scottish comedian Rikki Fulton - best known for the Scotch and Wry television show and his Francie and Josie double act.

The showbusiness connections continue with Prime Suspect star Helen Mirren and Bond star Sir Sean Connery.

Graduate employment

Sir John Shaw, the governor of the Bank of Scotland, and Professor Susan Greenfield, director of the Royal Institution, have also been honoured by the university.

According to a study by the Institute of Employment Research at Warwick University, St Andrews has produced more directors of FTSE 100 companies in proportion to its size than any other educational institution in Britain.

And although it may not be of too much concern to Prince William, St Andrews boasts that it has of one of the highest rates of graduate employment in the UK.

Approximately a third of graduates enter further research after completing their studies.