HRH Princess Royal awarded Honorary Degree at University of Exeter
It's in recognition of her lifelong dedication to public service
The Princess Royal has been awarded an Honorary Degree of Laws in recognition of her lifelong dedication to public service during a ceremony held at the University of Exeter.
Her Royal Highness has actively participated in royal engagements since the age of 18, representing the British Crown on more than 20,000 occasions in the UK and abroad.
Her involvement extends to over 200 charitable organisations including Save the Children and St John Ambulance, alongside leading her charity, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.
Ceremony Details
The ceremony took place at the St Luke’s Campus Chapel, attended by notable figures such as Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University, and Lady Mireille and Sir Dennis Gillings, significant benefactors of the University of Exeter Medical School.
Professor Roberts expressed deep honour in awarding Her Royal Highness the honorary degree, highlighting her continued commitment to public service and education and its impact on the university community.
Long Association with Education
The Princess Royal has served as Chancellor at the University of Edinburgh and has maintained ties with the University of Exeter, notably during her son Peter Phillips' graduation in 2000 and more recently at the launch of the Mining Engineering Degree Apprenticeship in 2023.
During her Exeter visit, she toured public health and sports sciences facilities, acknowledged for their global ranking in the QS Subject Rankings 2026.
Equine Interests
Beyond education, The Princess Royal's dedication encompasses her equestrian pursuits, having competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games and winning medals in European Three-Day Event Championships.
Her roles have included presidencies of the Federation Equestre Internationale and the Riding for the Disabled Association. She is also an honorary president of the British Olympic Association and serves as a member of the International Olympic Committee.