THE UNIVERSITY of Reading took part in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace, which saw the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire deliver a Loyal Address to King Charles III.
Prof Parveen Yaqoob, deputy vice-chancellor, represented the university as James Puxley, Lord Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, delivered the address to His Majesty on Thursday, March 9.
Prof Yaqoob was part of a delegation of representatives from across the county, which, as one of the UK’s Privileged Bodies, is invited to present an Address to The King on the occasion of His Majesty’s Accession.
She said: “The university is honoured to be so closely connected with His Majesty the King. As Sovereign, he follows Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the role as Visitor of the University.
“We are also lucky that the county of Berkshire with its Royal status is also a Privileged Body, giving the university an additional link.
“His Majesty’s steadfast support for education and for excellence in the arts and sciences, especially in environmental and agricultural issues, has been long-standing. I was honoured to represent the university and show our formal support for His Majesty The King at such a meaningful event.”
Privileged Bodies of the United Kingdom are institutions and corporations which enjoy the right to present an Address to the Monarch in person, delivered by a senior representative.
The last time Loyal Addresses were delivered to the Monarch was in 2012 to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Alongside Professor Yaqoob, the Berkshire representatives included the Mayors and Chairman of the Unitary Authorities in the county, the County Archivist, the Bishop of Reading, and the Chair of the Trustees from the Berkshire Community Foundation.
