A speech by The Queen at Imperial College
Published 09 July 2007
By discharging this academic mission, you play a vital role in supporting this country's position on the world stage.
Rector, Ladies and Gentlemen
It is a pleasure to be here today to bestow upon the College its new Charter, one hundred years after it received the original. It has been a century of great achievement, and my thanks go to all the people, the staff and the students, whose work over the decades has enabled Prince Albert's vision to flourish. You now face the future as an independent institution and, as we are seeing today, have the privilege of awarding your own degrees.
Imperial was founded with the intention that it should support British technology and industry in the face of international competition. You have certainly fulfilled that aspiration. Today you renew your mission of applying your learning, discoveries and innovation to meet the changing needs of society, industry and healthcare. You will also, of course, continue to carry out the important task of educating the young people who will become the future inventors, discoverers and leaders of business and society. By discharging this academic mission, you play a vital role in supporting this country's position on the world stage.
I warmly congratulate you on reaching this notable milestone and wish you continuing success for your next one hundred years.
Related content
Centenary of Alberta joining Confederation, Alberta Legislature, Canada, 24 May 2005
While all Albertans — and all Canadians — value this history as a colourful account of the past, we also view it as a foundation for our present and future.
Federal lunch in Regina, Saskatchewan, 20 May 2005
I retain a deep affection for this great country and for the people who take such pride in saying "I am Canadian".
Marking 60th anniversary of the end of World War II in Guernsey, 9 May 2005
Prince Philip and I are happy to be in Guernsey on this sixtieth anniversary of liberation and to have joined in the Service of Thanksgiving
Visit to Jersey to mark the 60th anniversary of Liberation, 9 May 2005
I am pleased that so many people are present today for whom the 9th of May has such a personal significance.
Opening the new Churchill Museum in London, 10 February 2005
It was the unique quality of his leadership that so inspired the British nation and free peoples throughout the world.
Presentation of a Royal Charter to the University of Manchester, 22 October 2004
In creating this new institution, you are building on a rich academic heritage and a fine tradition of excellence in both teaching and research.
Opening of the new Scottish Parliament building, Edinburgh, 9 October 2004
We meet in a remarkably open and transparent chamber, where this Parliament sits in the round in European fashion.
60th anniversary D-Day commemoration in Arromanches, 6 June 2004
I take it upon myself to express the immense debt of gratitude we owe to you all. I salute you, and thank you on behalf of our whole nation.
Official commemoration of the 60th anniversary of D-Day in France, 6 June 2004
The sixtieth anniversary of the Normandy Landings is a moment for thanksgiving, and a moment of commemoration.
Osborne House, Isle of Wight, centenary of being open to the public, 19 May 2004
The Isle of Wight is well known for its hospitality, and the warmth of your welcome today is greatly appreciated.
National Assembly for Wales, 5 June 2003
It is vital to the health both of the United Kingdom and of Wales that our democratic institutions flourish and adapt.
Scottish Parliament meeting on the Mound in Edinburgh, 3 June 2003
We see in this new Parliament, even after four short years, clear signs of a legislature that is distinctly Scottish.
Ottawa, Canada, 13 October 2002
Wherever the future may take us, my admiration and affection for Canada and Canadians everywhere is - and will always remain - clear, strong and sure.
Ceremony for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, 10 October 2002
I am happy to be in Hamilton today in order to present new Colours and to visit my Canadian Argylls.
Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver, Canada, 7 October 2002
Je chéris ma place dans la vie du Canada et mon lien avec tous les Canadiens et Canadiennes.
Legislative Assembly in Nunavut, Canada, 4 October 2002
I am proud to be the first member of the Canadian Royal Family to be greeted in Canada's newest territory.
National Space Centre in Leicester, 1 August 2002
Over this Jubilee summer I have travelled widely, but I hope I will be forgiven for having limited my tour to the earth's surface.
Opening ceremony of the 17th Commonwealth Games, Manchester, 25 July 2002
It is my pleasure in this my Golden Jubilee Year to declare the 17th Commonwealth Games open.
Golden Jubilee visit to Liverpool, 25 July 2002
I am glad to be in Merseyside, which must be one of the most distinctive and energetic parts of the United Kingdom.
Opening of the new City Hall building in London, 23 July 2002
Your new building, which is so clearly based on ideas of openness and accessibility, will provide an exciting forum for Londoners as your debates ebb and flow.
Visit to Bury St. Edmund's, Suffolk, 17 July 2002
Ipswich, Norwich, and Cambridge have all become centres of excellence in their different ways.
Harewood House in Yorkshire, 11 July 2002
The character of Yorkshire's people is distinctive and unchanging: trenchant, determined, and welcoming.
Millennium Point, Birmingham, 2 July 2002
I have no doubt that you will use this building to inspire the next generation who will shape the technology and industry of tomorrow.
Tri-Service gathering of the Armed Forces at Portsmouth, 27 June 2002
Britain is grateful to you, whether here in Portsmouth, in bases across the United Kingdom, or across the world.
Lunch in Newport, South Wales, 13 June 2002
The mountains and valleys are as beautiful as ever, but it is in rural life that some of the greatest transformation has taken place.
End of The Queen's UK Golden Jubilee tour, Preston, 5 August 2002
I have been profoundly moved by the affection shown and by the warmth of the response to my Golden Jubilee.
A speech by The Queen on her Golden Jubilee
I hope that these celebrations will remind us of our shared heritage and what it means to be a united people, enjoying the support of families, friends and neighbours around...
Visit to Stormont, Northern Ireland, 14 May 2002
This Assembly can demonstrate that it is possible to build trust, and in doing so continue the building of a new Northern Ireland.
Reply to the Loyal Addresses by both Houses of Parliament, 30 April 2002
I would like to pay tribute to the work you do in this, the Mother of Parliaments.
Newspaper Society lunch, London, 26 March 2002
Your newspapers are an intrinsic part of the communities they serve, they give us a very special insight into what is going on around the country.
Royal Warrant Holders' Association Golden Jubilee lunch, London, 20 March 2002
The Royal Warrant of Appointment is an ancient and honourable institution. It symbolises excellence.
Adelaide Festival Hall, Australia, 27 February 2002
Whatever may lie ahead, I declare again here tonight that my admiration, affection and regard for the people of Australia will remain, as it has been over these past fifty...
State dinner in Wellington, New Zealand, 25 February 2002
It is both a privilege and a pleasure to have served as Queen of New Zealand for these fifty years.
Golden Jubilee gathering of Privileged Bodies, 21 March 2002
Privileged Bodies are held in great respect, not just in this country but throughout the world.
Official Golden Jubilee photographs: The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh
A speech by The Queen to Parliament on her Silver Jubilee
Perhaps this Jubilee is a time to remind ourselves of the benefits which union has conferred, at home and in our international dealings, on the inhabitants of all parts of...
