PRINCESS ELIZABETH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26214, 26 July 1946, Page 5

PRINCESS ELIZABETH

MUSIC DEGREE , CONFERRED «k / CEREMONY AT LONDON UNIVERSITY (Special) LONDON. July 11. Princess Elizabeth received from the University of London yesterday her first honarary degree that of Bachelor of Music. During the same ceremony degrees were also conferred on graduands of the University who have recently attained a degree of the same standing with firsl-class honours or distinctions. The ceremony was held in the William Beveridge Hall, redecorated and restored to its original use after more than six years of service as the press room of the Ministry of Information. A string orchestra from the band of the Welsh Guards played during the assembly of the guests and members of the University Senate and Court. Princess Elizabeth took her seat on the platform between the Earl of Athlone, chancellor of the University, and Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone, who, with the Mayor of Hoiborn, had received her Royal Highness on her arrival. The Princess wore an academic gown of saxe blue silk over her dress and a black mortar-board.

The other graduands were first presented by the dean of the faculty concerned. each quartet being invested simultaneously with their hoods by the vice-chancellor (Professor D. Hughes Parry), the deputy vice-chancellor (Professor Witchell), and two former vice-chancellors, Professor Frank Horton and Sir Robert PickardPrincess Elizabeth was presented for her degree by the public orator, Professor Harold Butler. As she faced

the chancellor in his gold-embroidered black robes, Professor Butler described her as one who, .yet young in years, had already devoted herself to the service of her country both in peace and in war. She had moved among her countrymen with friendliness and ease, and had addressed them with clearness and confidence. Nor had she neglected the arts which lend charm to life; she was a lover of music ana a skilled musician.

The chancellor then placed on the Princess’s shoulders a hood of white bordered with blue, saying to her: “ By the authority of the senate. I confer upon you the degree of Bachelor of Music honoris causa.” In the Chancellor’s Hall afterwards her Royal Highness was presented with a bouquet by Miss Francesca Leeke. president of the University Union

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