The Duke of Kent is celebrating a remarkable milestone as he
marks 50 years as Chancellor of the University of Surrey.
The Duke was officially appointed to the role on 17 July 1976,
succeeding Lord Robens, who had served as the university’s
inaugural Chancellor.
Over the five decades since his appointment, the 90-year-old
Duke has maintained a close relationship with the university,
attending graduation ceremonies, opening new buildings and
supporting generations of students and staff.
His half-century as Chancellor represents an exceptionally long
period of service in British higher education and reflects the
Duke’s wider commitment to public life.
Professor Stephen Jarvis, President and Vice-Chancellor of the
University of Surrey, paid tribute to the royal’s contribution as
the institution celebrated the anniversary.
He described 50 years of service as a remarkable achievement and
praised the Duke as a steadfast supporter of the university.
Throughout his tenure, the Duke has presided over graduation
ceremonies attended by tens of thousands of students and has been
involved in the opening of important research and academic
facilities.
His association with the university has also seen him welcome
other members of the Royal Family to Surrey for significant
occasions.
In 1992, the Duke was joined by his cousin, Queen Elizabeth II,
for a service of thanksgiving at Guildford Cathedral.
The occasion marked the Silver Jubilee of the University of
Surrey as well as the centenary of the institution’s origins in the
Battersea Polytechnic Institute.
More than two decades later, the late Queen returned to the
university in 2015.
On that occasion, she was accompanied by her husband, Prince
Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as well as the Duke of Kent, for the
official opening of the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Professor Jarvis said the Duke’s longstanding commitment had
helped shape the university over the course of his tenure,
highlighting his involvement in occasions ranging from the opening
of research facilities to graduation ceremonies.
He added that the Duke’s contribution throughout his 50 years as
Chancellor had remained constant and was deeply valued by the
university community.
The anniversary comes during a period in which the Duke of Kent
has gradually reduced his public duties after decades of service to
the Crown.
A first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke was born Prince
Edward of Kent in 1935 and inherited his title at the age of six
following the death of his father, Prince George, Duke of Kent, in
1942.
He went on to pursue a military career before becoming one of
the Royal Family’s longest-serving working members.
Over the decades, the Duke has represented the monarch at
engagements both in the United Kingdom and overseas and has
maintained associations with numerous organisations and
charities.
His 50-year tenure at the University of Surrey forms part of
that extensive record of public service.
The Duke’s anniversary as Chancellor comes ten years before the
university itself is due to celebrate 60 years since receiving its
Royal Charter in 1966.
