Queen Camilla was awarded an honorary doctorate by her sister-in-law, Princess Anne in a rare joint royal engagement.
The 77-year-old royal was one of five individuals honoured on the University of London’s Foundation Day by the school’s Chancellor, Princess Anne, the Mirror reports.
Camilla received an honorary doctorate of literature for her promotion of literacy and literature over the past two decades. She joins the ranks of King George V, Queen Mary, Sir Winston Churchill and Dame Judi Dench who have been conferred as part of the ceremony since 1098.
Princess Anne also presented honours to four other individuals for their exceptional contributions to society. Dr Nahim Ahmed MBE and Professor Sir Michael Arthur were awarded honorary doctorates of science, while Anthony Neoh and Abdul Fazal Bhanji OBE were conferred an honorary doctorate of laws and honorary fellow respectively.
Camilla and Anne arrived at Senate House together, where they were welcomed by the vice-chancellor of the University of London, Professor Wendy Thomson CBE and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Sir Mark Lowcock.
Upon arrival, the Queen graciously offered her sister-in-law, Anne, the chance to enter a room first where they were set to meet honourees and their families.
However, with a polite smile and full knowledge of royal protocol, Anne declined, insisting the Queen proceed before her.
Princess Anne and Camilla each warmly received guests at a recent event, with a touch of humour as Camilla signed a visitor’s book despite a cheeky interruption from Dr Nahim’s young son. Donning their ceremonial robes for the Sandringham engagements, both royals embraced the day’s traditions.
At the ceremony, Anne took on the prominent role of Chancellor, welcoming attendees and leading the degree awards, all the while reflecting on her close bond with Camilla.
Her admiration was evident in her comments during last year’s BBC documentary, ‘Charles III: The Coronation,’ where she remarked: “I’ve known her a long time, off and on. Her understanding of her role and how much difference it makes to the King has been absolutely outstanding.”
Anne further praised Camilla’s dedication to duty, stating: “This role is not something that she would have been a natural for, but she does it really well. And she provides that change of speed and tone.”
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