The Queen is presented an Honorary Doctorate of Literature by The Princess Royal
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The Queen joins other honorary degree holders from The University of London; including King George V and Queen Mary (then The Prince and Princess of Wales) and Sir Winston Churchill.
In recognition of Her Majesty’s promotion of literacy and literature over many years, The University of London has awarded The Queen an Honorary Doctorate of Literature which was presented by the University’s Chancellor, The Princess Royal.
The Queen joined four eminent awardees in receiving Honorary Doctorates on the university’s Foundation Day. Held each autumn in Senate House, Foundation Day marks the University of London's establishment by Royal Charter in 1836. Honorary degrees have been conferred as part of the ceremony since 1908, with recipients including King George V and Queen Mary (then The Prince and Princess of Wales), Sir Winston Churchill, Dame Judi Dench and T. S. Eliot.
As an avid reader, The Queen has a strong interest in highlighting the importance of literacy and has long been a supporter of literacy in the UK and across the Commonwealth. Her Majesty has visited schools and libraries, as well as workplaces and prisons, to see the work of adult literacy schemes.
As Duchess of Cornwall, Her Majesty became (and remains) Patron of several organisations which promote and support literacy, including the National Literacy Trust, First Story, Coram Beanstalk and BookTrust. The Queen’s Reading Room launched as an online book club on Instagram in January 2021 with reading recommendations from Her Majesty Queen Camilla, then Duchess of Cornwall, before becoming a charity which promotes the benefits of reading in February 2023.
On arrival at Senate House, The Queen and Princess Royal were welcomed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Thomson CBE and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Sir Mark Lowcock. The Princess Royal then inspected a Guard of Honour consisting of members of the University’s Officer Training Corps, Air Squadron and Royal Naval Unit.
After greeting Honorary Graduates, Honorary Fellows and University of London Board Members, The Queen and The Princess Royal donned their ceremonial robes before proceeding into the hall for the ceremony. Within the Hall, The Princess Royal gave the Chancellor’s Welcome before the presentation of diplomas.
The four other recipients of honours for their exceptional contributions to society were:
• Dr Nahim Ahmed MBE - Honorary Doctorate of Science (Social Sciences)
• Professor Sir Michael Arthur - Honorary Doctorate of Science (Medicine)
• Anthony Neoh - Honorary Doctorate of Laws
• Abdul Fazal Bhanji OBE - Honorary Fellow
The Princess Royal has served as Chancellor of the University of London since 1981 and is the 10th person to hold the post since the foundation of the University. Prior to The Princess Royal, the role was held by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother who served as Chancellor from 1955 to 1980.
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