The University of Glasgow is restoring a Royal link on its 550th anniversary.

HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, has agreed to accept an honorary degree from the University of Glasgow during the celebrations of its founding in 1451.

The conferment of the degree marks the Prince's extensive interest in education, the Arts, his work over many years on behalf of young people through such initiatives as The Prince's Trust and other organisations and his particular support for the University of Glasgow's innovative development on the Crichton University Campus in Dumfries.

The award of the honorary degree maintains the University of Glasgow's long-standing links with the Royal Family. The Prince's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, received an honorary degree (as Duchess of York) in 1932 at the same time as the honour was conferred on her husband, subsequently King George VI.

In 1907 King George V and Queen Mary (as Prince and Princess of Wales) received honorary degrees, conferred by the then Chancellor, Lord Kelvin. The first honorary degree to be conferred on the Gilmorehill campus (while it was still under construction) was received by the then Prince of Wales in 1868.

Welcoming the news of the Prince's acceptance of the degree, the Principal of the University, Professor Sir Graeme Davies, said: "The University is delighted that his Royal Highness has accepted the invitation to have a doctorate conferred upon him. We very much appreciate the particular interest he has shown in our campus development at the Crichton in Dumfries and are very pleased at the prospect of continuing the links between the Royal Family and the University."

Further information for media is available at

http://www.newsdesk.gla.ac.uk/pressreleases

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

The degree will be conferred during 2001 at a time and place to be announced.

See also earlier story at 01/02/2001 below for other honorary degrees.

For further information contact:

Mike Brown, Press Officer, University of Glasgow:

0141 330 3225

First published: 8 March 2001