Her Majesty The Queen among recipients of Honorary Degrees at University of London Foundation Day

Her Majesty The Queen is one of five leading figures to have received an Honorary Degree from the University of London, recognising her outstanding contribution to promoting literacy and literature across the UK.

The ceremony took place on 20 November at Senate House, where Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Chancellor of the University of London, presented the award as part of the University's historic Foundation Day celebrations.

In her speech, the Chancellor paid tribute to the University’s thriving global network of Recognised Teaching Centres who offer students face-to-face support whilst studying University of London programme.  She thanked the representatives who made long journeys to be at the ceremony. 

Professor Wendy Thomson CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, said: 

“Since its founding, the University of London has been a force for social and educational change, from being the first university to admit students regardless of gender, race or religion, to enabling people to study wherever they are in the world. Honorary degrees are our way of recognising those who share and represent these values of inclusion and transformation.

“Her Majesty’s work in promoting literacy and literature over many years has transformed lives and embodies our belief in the education’s power to create positive change. Together with our other distinguished recipients, they represent the very best of public service and demonstrate how knowledge and dedication can transform our society for the better."

Her Majesty the Queen - Doctor of Literature honoris causa

The University of London is pleased to award an Honorary Doctorate of Literature to Her Majesty The Queen in recognition of her promotion of literacy and literature over many years. This theme is a cornerstone of her work, inspired by her own deep love of books and by the numerous literary charities of which she is Patron.

In 2021, Her Majesty launched a book club on Instagram, ‘The Queen’s Reading Room’, which has become a charity, producing free educational content, hosting a literary festival and commissioning research into the benefits of reading.

Other significant aspects of Her Majesty’s work include: supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, empowering women and girls, osteoporosis, the military, combatting loneliness amongst the elderly and the Arts.

Abdul Bhanji - Honorary Fellowship

Abdul Bhanji is a former Senior Partner (Business Development) of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). He has advised a variety of media and industrial clients and continues to act as a Special Adviser to the Chairman and Senior Partner of PwC UK, as well as to CEOs of multinational organisations. He has also co-founded an executive search firm and acted as Non-Executive Director at Whitehead Mann plc. 
 
Dr Nahim Ahmed MBE - Doctor of Science (Social Sciences) honoris causa

Nahim has been on a mission to help bring positive sustainable changes to the community he serves; particularly to areas that are affected by some of the biggest societal issues including poverty and deprivation.  Over the past decade, he has been committed to serving the most vulnerable members of our society through his work in the private, public and voluntary sectors. His undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Youth and Community Work, Law and Community Leadership and Strategic Management of Projects complements his current role as a senior leader in the youth and community setting.

Anthony Neoh - Doctor of Laws honoris causa

Beginning his career as a mathematics teacher in 1964, Anthony Neoh joined the Hong Kong Civil Service in 1966, rising to directorate rank by 1975.  Earning his LLB with Honours as an external student from London University in 1976, he was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn the same year. Neoh served as Assistant Director of the Independent Commission Against Corruption from 1976-1980, then began practicing law, becoming Queen’s Counsel in 1990.

Professor Sir Michael Arthur - Doctor of Science (Medicine) honoris causa

Professor Sir Michael Arthur is the past President and Provost of University College London (UCL), having completed his seven-year term in 2021. Previously, he was Vice Chancellor of the University of Leeds and, before that, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences at the University of Southampton. He is a hepatologist with research interests in liver cell biology. Professor Sir Michael has a significant national and international profile, having served as Chair of the Advisory Group for National Specialised Services, of the Worldwide Universities Network and of the Russell Group, among other appointments. Professor Arthur was knighted for his services to Higher Education in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours list. 

Foundation Day marks the anniversary of the University's first charter, granted 188 years ago in 1836 by William IV. 

The Chancellor also celebrated several institutional milestones, including the addition of Brunel University of London to the University of London federation and the merger of City and St George’s into a single multi-faculty institution – City St George’s, University of London. 

Her Royal Highness also commemorated the School of Advanced Study’s 30th anniversary, the 10th annual Being Human Festival, the 75th anniversary of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies and the reopening of the Warburg Institute.

Foundation Day 2024 was attended by students and staff of the University of London, representatives from Federation Member institutions and Regional Teaching Centres, and people with long-standing connections with the University. 

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