Duke of Kent marks 50th year as Chancellor of the University of Surrey
It's one of the longest chancellorships in the history of British higher education.
His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent is celebrating half a century as Chancellor of the University of Surrey, marking one of the longest tenures in British higher education history.
The Duke succeeded Lord Robens, the university's first Chancellor, following a recommendation at a special Senate meeting on 1st July 1976.
Throughout the last 50 years, The Duke has frequently visited the Surrey campuses in Stag Hill and Manor Park, particularly for summer graduation ceremonies for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
His involvement has extended to significant university milestones, including the opening of the Surrey Research Park in the 1980s, the inauguration of the Duke of Kent Building in 2000, and the launch of the Institute for People-Centred AI at St James's Palace in November 2021.
The Duke of Kent joined Queen Elizabeth II on campus on three occasions.
The first was in March 1992, when Queen Elizabeth II visited Surrey for a service of thanksgiving at Guildford Cathedral marking the University's silver jubilee and the centenary of the founding of Battersea Polytechnic Institute in 1891, the University's forerunner.
Before the service, The Duke accompanied Queen Elizabeth II on a campus tour, including visits to the Centre for Satellite Engineering, now the Surrey Space Centre, and an exhibition showcasing the University's latest research.
Vice Chancellor of the university Professor Stephen Jarvis says his contribution to the university is "deeply valued"
"Fifty years is a remarkable span of service, and our University could not ask for a more steadfast champion than His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent.
His commitment has shaped our University for the better, from opening our research facilities to presiding over graduation ceremonies for tens of thousands of our students.
His contribution has been constant and deeply valued."