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Coronation
Crowds of people waving Union Jack flags on Palace Green for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012

Celebrating the Coronation of His Majesty The King

We are delighted to be celebrating the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III

As we celebrate this significant event, we look back favourably on the University's many connections with The King and the Royal Family over the years. We are proud to have awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law to His Majesty in 1998.
Find out more about Coronation events in Durham
Head and shoulders shot of King Charles III

 

 

University student
We send our warmest congratulations to His Majesty The King on the occasion of his Coronation. Here at Durham University we treasure our many connections with The King and the Royal Family. As Prince of Wales, the King visited the University most recently in 2018, when, among other things, he unveiled a commemorative plaque honouring his ancestor Dame Elizabeth Bowes at St John's College. We wish His Majesty a very enjoyable Coronation and continuing good health and happiness for the future.
Professor Karen O’Brien
Vice-Chancellor and Warden
Group of schoolchildren waving Union Jack flags to welcome the then Prince of Wales to Durham in 2018

Events and celebrations

We are planning some fabulous Coronation celebrations across our global University and local communities. From hosting a Coronation on the Big Screen event to a community litter pick, and support of other local events, it will be a weekend to remember.

The Coronation on the Big Screen
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Flashback to King Charles' Honorary Degree Ceremony in 1998

In 1998, the University awarded an honorary degree to the King (then Prince of Wales), recognising him as 'the first prince of the television age', and someone who has made full use of the opportunities available to him to shape and influence many areas of society.

Enjoy this video of his oration from 25 years ago!

Watch on YouTube

Previous royal visits

We are proud to have welcomed various members of the Royal Family to Durham over the years. Enjoy the slideshow with memories of previous visits.

 

HRH Princess Elizabeth lays the foundation stone of St Mary's College, Durham University in October 1947

Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth laying the foundation stone of St Mary's College, Durham University, October 1947 (credit: The Northern Echo)

HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother at St Mary's College in 1956

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother looking at a volume of Durham photographs at St Mary's College, Durham University, November 1956. Also in the picture are GM Trevelyan, Dr Williamson and Lord Lawson, Lord Lieutenant (credit: The Northern Echo)

HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother at St John's College in 1987

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother on a visit to St John's College, Durham University to open Leech Hall, June 1987

HRH Prince Charles speaking to students at his Honorary Graduation in 1998

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales receiving an honorary degree from Durham University in 1988

The Queen and Prince Philip in a car visiting Durham in 2012

Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh on a visit to Durham as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012

HRH Prince Charles unveils a plaque at St John's College

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales unveiling a commemorative plaque in honour of his ancestor Dame Elizabeth Bowes in 2018. The plaque is on Bowes House, the former home of Dame Elizabeth Bowes and now part of St John’s College, Durham University.