Queen Camilla, Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, during a visit to on Monday (Image: Getty Images)
was all smiles yesterday as she was treated to musical performances during a visit to the University of Aberdeen.
Camilla, 77, has been Chancellor of the university since 2013 and visited the impressive Sir Duncan Rice Library on Monday to hear about the community-building initiatives supported by the institution.
Wearing a teal coat with tartan trim, the Queen spoke with students and staff on the university’s online PGDE primary education course, which aims to widen access to teaching qualifications.
She also met members of the Savy Students Club, who presented Camilla with a cookery book.
The club, supported by the University of Aberdeen Development Trust Student Experience Fund, teaches students how to cook healthy and nutritious meals on a budget.
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Supporters and volunteers of the Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust, which works across schools in the city to tackle the impact of child poverty, reduce social isolation and improve mental wellbeing, were also in attendance.
Aberdeen FC defender Angus McDonald was among them, and he said it was “a real honour and a real privilege to meet” Her Majesty.
The Queen’s visit concluded with a moving performance of Professor Paul Mealor’s arrangement of Robert Burns’ Ae Fond Kiss, sung by the university’s chapel choir.
Prof Mealor has composed music for royal occasions, including new pieces for the Coronation at Westminster Abbey and the national service of thanksgiving and dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
The Sir Duncan Rice Library was opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II and is home to books and manuscripts covering 24km of shelving.
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Queen Camilla, Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, is presented with a cookery book (Image: PA)
Queen Camilla’s coat has green tartan detailing on the collar, sleeves and pockets (Image: PA)
Speaking after the visit, Alyson Young, programme director of the PGDE course, said she hoped the visit would have a “really positive impact” on the profile of the programme.
“It’s great to have somebody interested in it because I think up here in the north-east, sometimes – we’re not in the central belt – it can be a little bit forgotten about,” she said.
“So, having Her Majesty come along and actually show real interest and want to know more about the programme allows us to get it out.
“Our students are our best adverts for it, because they’re so positive and enthusiastic about the programme.”
Camilla waved to the hosts and guests as she left the university, clutching a bright bouquet of flowers.