Her Majesty Queen Camilla visited the University of Aberdeen – where she holds the role of Chancellor – to learn more about the University’s initiatives in community building, including its long-standing partnership with Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust and its outreach into Aberdeen schools.
Her Majesty has been a regular visitor to the University over the last two decades and even more so since being installed as Chancellor in 2013. The Queen takes great interest in the University’s activities and has conferred a number of honorary degrees as part of her role.
On the visit, The Queen spoke with students and staff currently taking part in the University’s online PGDE primary education course which is designed to widen access to anyone in Scotland who wishes to obtain a teaching qualification but due to personal circumstances is unable to attend ‘on campus’ learning. Students gain an accredited teaching qualification in 18 months as well as undertaking a school placement within their local area and the course is designed to be accessible to those in rural areas or with caring or family commitments.
Her Majesty met staff and students who run a student support cooking project called the ‘Savy Students Club’ which teaches students to cook healthy and nutritious meals while taking into account the pressing financial challenges faced by many today.
Members of Aberdeen FC Community Trust (a long-term partner of the University) met Queen Camilla, and pupils from St Machar Academy showed off a special edition AFC CT football shirt that they designed to celebrate the Trust’s 10th anniversary.
Members of the Elphinstone Institute, the University’s unique centre for the study of folklore, Doric and traditional music, told Her Majesty about their important work researching and promoting the culture of the North and North-East of Scotland.
To round off The Queen’s visit, the Director of Chapel & Ceremonial Music Stuart Muir led the University’s Chapel Choir in a special performance of Robert Burns’s Ae Fond Kiss – arranged by Paul Mealor, Emeritus Professor of Music and Music Education, who was also in attendance.
University of Aberdeen Vice-Chancellor & Principal, Professor George Boyne, said: “It is always a special and happy occasion when Her Majesty the Queen visits the University where she holds the important role of Chancellor.
“Queen Camilla has travelled to campus on numerous occasions over the years and I know she takes great interest in the world-class education and research carried out here – much of which is in areas close to her heart such as health and well-being, literacy and heritage and the arts, to name but a few.
“As well as taking time to meet staff, it’s a great opportunity for students and local young people to speak directly to Her Majesty and share their experiences with her.”