News

Durham University welcomes Her Majesty The Queen

(18 July 2012)

Vice-Chancellor Chris Higgins greets The Queen

Durham University hosted Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh as part of their Diamond Jubilee tour of the United Kingdom.

The Royal couple visited Durham Castle, home to University College, on Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site where they had lunch with dignitaries and students.

The visit was hosted by the University in partnership with Durham County Council.

The Diamond Jubilee tour has seen The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh travel the length and breadth of the UK as part of the celebrations to mark Her Majesty’s 60 years as Monarch.

The last time the Royal couple visited Durham Castle was in 2002 during Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. On that occasion The Duke of Edinburgh also visited Durham University’s Stockton campus to announce that it had been awarded the title of Queen’s Campus.

The Royal couple were joined at the private event by guests including, Professor Chris Higgins, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, The Right Reverend Justin Welby, Bishop of Durham, and Councillor Linda Marshall, JP, Chairman of Durham County Council.

Lunch was served in the Great Hall of Durham Castle, which was once used as a backdrop in the Harry Potter movies, and is also the dining hall for students at University College.

Professor Chris Higgins, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said: “Durham is a world University with very firm roots in the North of England and we are proud to host Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh on behalf of the University, the City and County Durham.

“Durham Castle plays an important role in the distinguished history of our University dating back to our foundation in the 19^th Century and it provides a fitting backdrop to this particular part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

“Durham is a University City and the University is a major driver of the City’s economy, employment, community and cultural life.

“The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit is another important occasion for the University this summer which has also seen us celebrate the installation of our new Chancellor, Sir Thomas Allen, and welcome the Olympic flame to the University’s Racecourse.”

Durham Castle is based on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, of which the University and Durham Cathedral are joint custodians.

For a video of Her Majesty The Queen's visit to Durham University click here.