Her Majesty The Queen among recipients of Honorary Degrees at University of London Foundation Day
Her Majesty The Queen is one of five leading figures to receive an Honorary Degree from the University of London, recognising her outstanding contribution to promoting literacy and literature across the UK. The ceremony will take place on 20 November at Senate House, where Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Chancellor of the University of London, will present the award as part of the University’s historic Foundation Day celebrations.
HM The Queen’s Honorary Doctorate of Literature acknowledges her advocacy for literacy and dedication to numerous literary organisations, including The National Literacy Trust and Book Aid International. Through ‘The Queen’s Reading Room’ initiative and patronage of multiple literary charities, Her Majesty has championed the transformative power of reading and writing across all age groups and communities.
Professor Wendy Thomson CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, said:
“Since its founding, the University of London has been a force for social and educational change, from being the first university to admit students regardless of gender, race or religion, to enabling people to study wherever they are in the world. Honorary degrees are our way of recognising those who share and represent these values of inclusion and transformation.
“Her Majesty’s work in promoting literacy and literature over many years has transformed lives and embodies our belief in the education’s power to create positive change. Together with our other distinguished recipients, they represent the very best of public service and demonstrate how knowledge and dedication can transform our society for the better.”
Foundation Day marks the anniversary of the University’s first charter, granted 188 years ago in 1836 by William IV. This year’s ceremony will also honour four other distinguished individuals for their exceptional contributions to society:
· 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
During the ceremony, the Chancellor will also celebrate several institutional milestones, including the addition of Brunel University of London to the University of London federation and the merger of City and St George’s into a single multi-faculty institution – City St George’s, University of London. Her Royal Highness will also commemorate the School of Advanced Study’s 30th anniversary, the 10th annual Being Human Festival, the 75th anniversary of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies and the reopening of the Warburg Institute.
Foundation Day 2024 will be attended by students and staff of the University of London, representatives from Federation Member institutions and Regional Teaching Centres, and people with long-standing connections with the University.
👩🎓It was a special evening for Her Majesty The Queen who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Literature by the University of London Chancellor, The Princess Royal. 🎉
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) November 20, 2024
The Doctorate was presented to The Queen, an avid reader, in recognition of her promotion of literacy and… pic.twitter.com/OrQJgbqFfH
