Celebrating the Chancellor's 50th anniversary

Celebrating His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent's 50th anniversary
as Chancellor of the University of Surrey

By Oli Burley

His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent’s proud and distinguished association with the University of Surrey now spans 50 years, making him the longest-serving living Chancellor of any British university.

He succeeded Lord Alfred Robens as Chancellor following recommendations from a special Senate meeting on 1^st July 1976, with the appointment ratified by a meeting of University Court on 17^th July 1976.

Then Vice-Chancellor Dr Anthony Kelly, FRS, announced the appointment at the University Degree Conferment Ceremony that afternoon, a little more than six months ahead of the Installation Ceremony on 26^th January 1977.

In the decades that have followed, His Royal Highness has visited the campus regularly, in particular for undergraduate and post-graduate graduation ceremonies.

In February 2026, The Duke was joined by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh for a tour of Surrey Space Centre, before he returned a fortnight later to attend the formal installation ceremony of Professor Stephen Jarvis as the sixth President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey.

The Duke's partnership with the University continues to flourish, his most recent visit taking place during this summer's undergraduate graduation ceremonies, on 10^th July 2026.

Forging partnerships

HRH The Duke of Kent officially opening the Surrey Research Park, Ref No US/PH/4/4/42, © University of Surrey, circa 1986

The Duke of Kent has visited staff and students across campus from early on in his Chancellorship, showing a keen interest in a wide range of departments and student activities. In 1981 he attended the naming ceremony of the University’s Library, named the ‘George Edwards Library’ in honour of the aircraft designer and industrialist, who was the University’s first Pro-Chancellor.

One of The Duke’s most significant duties of the 1980s was the opening of the Surrey Research Park, an innovative concept where industry could collaborate with the University’s academics and researchers, while also generating income and providing an economic boost for Guildford, wider Surrey and beyond.

A passionate advocate for British industry and exports, and a strong supporter of higher education, The Duke's ambitions match those of a University with a strong desire to foster impactful research and productive partnerships.

In 2001 The Duke returned to the Research Park for the official naming of Surrey’s ‘Incubator Centre’, the Surrey Technology Centre, and its new extension.

Photograph taken at the ceremony to name the University of Surrey Library the ‘George Edwards Library’. Pictured are HRH The Duke of Kent, Chancellor of the University of Surrey, and Professor Anthony Kelly, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, Ref No US/PH/1/3/254_1, © University of Surrey, July 1981

HRH The Duke of Kent presenting the Queen's Award for Export Achievement to Professor Anthony Kelly, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Surrey, Ref No US/PH/2/5/6, © University of Surrey, 11 July 1991

Queen Elizabeth II visits and graduation

Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Kent visiting the University of Surrey, Ref No US/PH/4/3/24_2, © University of Surrey, 20 March 1992

The University has had the honour of welcoming The Duke of Kent to graduation ceremonies at Guildford Cathedral throughout his time as Chancellor.

Invitation and programme for the Ceremony for the Conferment of Honorary Degrees, Guildford Cathedral, 2 November 2011. © University of Surrey, from the Archives & Special Collections, Ref. ASD/22/7/10

Invitation and programme for the Ceremony for the Conferment of Honorary Degrees, Guildford Cathedral, 2 November 2011. © University of Surrey, from the Archives & Special Collections, Ref. ASD/22/7/10

As well as presiding over ceremonies, The Duke has enjoyed joining graduates for the celebration events which followed.

Photograph of Eric Thornton at Guildford Cathedral for the award of an honorary degree from the Department of Physics at the University of Surrey with HRH The Duke of Kent, Chancellor of the University of Surrey, Ref No US/PH/2/3/26_3, © University of Surrey, July 1978

The cathedral hosted another joyous celebration in March 1992 when Queen Elizabeth II – accompanied by The Duke – attended a Service of Thanksgiving to mark the University’s Silver Jubilee and the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone of the Battersea Polytechnic Institute in 1891.

Beforehand, Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke were taken on a tour of the University, which included a visit to the Centre for Satellite Engineering (now renamed as the Surrey Space Centre) and an exhibition of some of the University’s latest research.

This was the first of Queen Elizabeth II’s three visits to campus. Queen Elizabeth II returned in 1998 with His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and presented Professor Sir Martin Sweeting with The Queen's Award for Technological Achievement, for his pioneering work on small satellites.

Some 17 years later, Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh returned to open the School of Veterinary Medicine. The visit included a tour of the Large Animal Clinical Skills Building.

Photograph taken during a visit by Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Kent to the University of Surrey and Guildford Cathedral, Ref No US/PH/4/3/26_1, © University of Surrey, 20 March 1992

Visit by Queen Elizabeth II and HRH the Duke of Kent to the University of Surrey, 20 March 1992

A changing campus

HRH The Duke of Kent, Chancellor of the University of Surrey, taken during a visit to see facilities at the University of Surrey, including the Sports Hall, Ref No US/PH/4/3/98_6, © University of Surrey, 1 May 1996

The University campus has evolved significantly during the last five decades, with The Duke of Kent attending many major milestones including the opening of the Austin Pearce Building in 1997, named in recognition of the University’s Pro-Chancellor Emeritus, Sir Austin Pearce.

In March 2000, the University paid The Duke the honour of naming its newest landmark building The Duke of Kent building, which became home to the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences after being completed for £12m. A portrait of The Duke hangs in the main reception.

A decade later, The Duke of Kent was joined by famous alumni from the Guildford School of Acting for the opening of GSA’s new headquarters. Alumni Celia Imrie CBE and Brenda Blethyn OBE were among the guests, as was Dame Penelope Keith DBE DBL, then Pro-Chancellor of the University.

The Chancellor opens the Guildford School of Acting building, on 26th April 2010

The Chancellor opens the Guildford School of Acting building, on 26th April 2010

In 2015, the University finished construction of the 5G Innovation Centre - Europe’s first research hub dedicated to next generation communications technology – and that September welcomed The Duke to open it, marking Surrey as a leader in the field of mobile and wireless connectivity.

Mayor of Guildford Nikki Nelson-Smith and The Chancellor at The 5G Innovation Centre, in September 2015

Mayor of Guildford Nikki Nelson-Smith and The Chancellor at The 5G Innovation Centre, in September 2015

HRH The Duke of Kent in the European Institute of Health and Medical Sciences at the opening of the Duke of Kent Building, 12 March 2000. © University of Surrey, from the Archives & Special Collections, Ref. US/PH/4/4/4

HRH The Duke of Kent in the European Institute of Health and Medical Sciences at the opening of the Duke of Kent Building, 12 March 2000. © University of Surrey, from the Archives & Special Collections, Ref. US/PH/4/4/4

HRH The Duke of Kent at the opening of the Duke of Kent Building, 12 March 2000. © University of Surrey, from the Archives & Special Collections, Ref. US/PH/4/4/8

HRH The Duke of Kent at the opening of the Duke of Kent Building, 12 March 2000. © University of Surrey, from the Archives & Special Collections, Ref. US/PH/4/4/8

HRH The Duke of Kent enjoys a demonstration at the the School of Veterinary Medicine's Biomechanics Laboratory in 2016

HRH The Duke of Kent enjoys a demonstration at the the School of Veterinary Medicine's Biomechanics Laboratory in 2016

The Chancellor returned to campus in February 2016 to visit the School of Veterinary Medicine, opened the previous autumn by Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh. During his visit, The Duke of Kent visited the Clinical Skills Laboratory and the Biomechanics Laboratory, where he was shown a motion capture system; the demonstration included the capture and synchronisation of a dog’s full body movement in 3D, while it was on a treadmill.

The Adams-Sweeting Lecture series

Over many years, The Duke of Kent has been a regular supporter of the prestigious Adams-Sweeting Lecture series, previously known as the Alf Adams Lecture.

The 2015 Alf Adams Lecture, given by Professor Sara Arber on the subject ‘The Inequalities of Ageing’, was held at the British Library and hosted by Sandi Toksvig OBE, who received an Honorary Degree from the University in 2012.

The final Alf Adams Lecture in the series, before it was renamed, took place at Bellairs Theatre on campus in April 2016. Given by Professor Ben Murdin and hosted by the presenter of BBC’s 'The Sky at Night', Professor Lucie Green, the lecture considered quantum technologies and included some demonstrations.

Always keen to get involved, the Chancellor assisted with a laser demonstration on stage, helping to show how it is possible to influence atoms within crystals.

Technological advancement was also at the heart of the 2018 Adams-Sweeting Lecture, given by Professor Lord Martin Rees and attended by the Chancellor. During his speech, Lord Rees said that humanity needs to be wary of the consequences artificial intelligence, biotechnological and space exploration will have to the health of the planet – as well as the benefits. The lecture was followed by a panel discussion involving Professor Alf Adams, Professor Sir Martin Sweeting and Professor Julie Yeomans.

The Chancellor, pictured with Sandi Toksvig and Professor Sara Arber at the 2015 Alf Adams Lecture

The Chancellor, pictured with Sandi Toksvig and Professor Sara Arber at the 2015 Alf Adams Lecture

The Chancellor taking part in a demonstration during the 2016 Alf Adams Lecture, given by Professor Ben Murdin

The Chancellor taking part in a demonstration during the 2016 Alf Adams Lecture, given by Professor Ben Murdin

The 2018 Adams-Sweeting Lecture was given by Professor Lord Martin Rees, flanked here by HRH The Duke of Kent and Vice-Chancellor Professor Max Lu. Also pictured are Professor Julie Yeomans (left), Professor Alf Adams (second left) and Professor Sir Martin Sweeting (right).

The 2018 Adams-Sweeting Lecture was given by Professor Lord Martin Rees, flanked here by HRH The Duke of Kent and Vice-Chancellor Professor Max Lu. Also pictured are Professor Julie Yeomans (left), Professor Alf Adams (second left) and Professor Sir Martin Sweeting (right).

Surrey’s 35^th and 50^th anniversary celebrations

His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent pictured at the 50th Anniversary Procession

The University’s close-knit partnership with Guildford shone through spectacularly on the occasions of its 35th and 50th anniversaries, in 2002 and 2017 respectively. The Duke of Kent played a lead role in both.

In May 2002, The Duke unveiled the statue ‘The Surrey Scholar’ near the bottom of the High Street following a spectacular procession through the town; representatives from the local community joined University officials and academics in the parade. This was preceded by a Service of Thanksgiving in Guildford Cathedral.

35th anniversary of the University of Surrey and unveiling of the statue of the 'Surrey Scholar' at the junction of Quarry Street, Guildford, 2002. © University of Surrey, from the Archives & Special Collections, Ref. US/PH/4/1/71

University colours again adorned Guildford High Street in October 2016 as The Duke of Kent led a procession uphill to Holy Trinity Church, followed by staff, students, alumni and distinguished guests, for a Thanksgiving Ceremony – the celebrations taking place exactly 50 years after the inauguration of the University’s first Chancellor, Lord Robens of Woldingham.

Local residents celebrated the University’s special partnership with Guildford by taking part in a range of activities during the day.

Prof Max Lu's installation as Vice-Chancellor

In front of an audience of 170 distinguished guests including The Duke of Kent, Professor Max Lu was installed as the University’s fifth President and Vice-Chancellor in an historic ceremony in the James Clark Maxwell Building in June 2016. Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, the Mayor of Guildford, members of the University Council, leading academics and University leaders, members of the local community and two of Professor Lu’s former University of Queensland colleagues also attended.

Professor Lu called on the University, its partners and supporters to help realise a vision of Surrey as a leading global university, adding: “Through our education and research, the University will not only enrich cultures and transform lives, but also contribute to communities locally, nationally and globally.”

The Royal Palaces

The Duke of Kent has welcomed University representatives to Royal residences on many occasions while Chancellor.

Invitation to the Reception for the 25^th Anniversary of the University’s Royal Charter and the 100^th Anniversary of Battersea Polytechnic, September 1991. © University of Surrey, from the Archives & Special Collections, Ref. UA/ER/AF/4/15/1/14

Invitation to the Reception for the 25^th Anniversary of the University’s Royal Charter and the 100^th Anniversary of Battersea Polytechnic, September 1991. © University of Surrey, from the Archives & Special Collections, Ref. UA/ER/AF/4/15/1/14

One such event was the launch of the Surrey Scholars Scheme in March 1997 at St James's Palace. Fully endorsed by The Duke, the initiative sponsored students, giving them opportunities to collaborate with industry by working with a company or organisation in an area related to their studies.

University senior management at the launch of Surrey Scholars Scheme at St James's Palace with The Duke of Kent, 1997. © University of Surrey, from the Archives & Special Collections, Ref. US/PH/4/2/30

HRH The Duke of Kent and Vice-Chancellor Professor Max Lu at Buckingham Palace in February 2020

HRH The Duke of Kent and invited guests at Buckingham Palace in February 2020

The celebration of the University’s 50^th anniversary year reached a crescendo in October 2017 with a commemorative dinner in The Ball Room at Buckingham Palace, attended by around 200 friends and supporters of Surrey. The evening included a live performance from students from the Guildford School of Acting (GSA).

Always a strong supporter of the University’s pioneering spirit, The Duke hosted a lunch at Buckingham Palace in February 2020 to mark the evolving partnership between the 5G Innovation Centre and its partners.

A year later, St James’s Palace hosted the launch of Surrey’s Institute for People-Centred AI in November 2021 – an event which also celebrated The Duke of Kent’s 45 years as Chancellor. The drinks reception was attended by a number of high-profile guests, government and industry representatives, senior civil servants, academics, current and potential partners in different industry sectors, and AI influencers.

Professor Adrian Hilton (left), Director of the Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI, and Professor Roberto La Ragione, with HRH The Duke of Kent at St James's Palace in November 2021

HRH the Duke of Kent welcomes Professor Adam Amara, Founding Director of the Surrey Space Institute, and Professor Keith Ryden, Head of Surrey Space Centre

His Royal Highness invited guests to St James's Palace for the formal launch of the Surrey Space Institute - our third pan-University Institute - on Thursday 26 February 2026.

The event convened key representatives of the UK’s space sector spanning government, industry and academia alongside Surrey alumni.

The Institute’s ambitious research vision spans earth observation for the benefit of life on earth, sustainable space infrastructure, and deep space exploration and habitation capabilities. The Space Institute is also charting a course to deliver mission-ready skills for industry and support the breakout space businesses of the future.

The Future Says Surrey

Staff and students attended a special tree planting ceremony in February 2022 to commemorate The Duke of Kent’s 45 years’ service as Chancellor of the University.

Following a speech from President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Max Lu, His The Duke planted an English Oak tree at the heart of campus near the Lake – and in view of the Duke of Kent building - to mark the occasion. In so doing, the University became part of the Queen’s Green Canopy scheme, an initiative created to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and create a legacy in honour of leadership, which will benefit future generations.

Later the same day, The Duke of Kent joined more than 250 staff and special guests on Stag Hill campus to celebrate the start of the University’s first fundraising campaign, The Future Says Surrey, which would go on and raise over £70m to fund transformational research and support talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Guests enjoyed an ‘in conversation’ panel discussion with representatives from each of the four fundraising areas - Artificial Intelligence; One Health, One Medicine; Sustainability; Student Experience – and watched a video featuring the first Battersea Scholar, Anwar Said – before The Duke officially launched the campaign amid confetti cannons and cold flame streamers, in front of the new electric-purple campaign bus.

Surrey Space Centre

During their visit to the Surrey Space Centre laboratories in 2026, The Duke of Kent and The Duchess of Edinburgh saw a student-designed satellite deploy pod which will push a payload from a rocket into space and were shown the University’s new fully functional life-size student training cubesat, demonstrated by Tony Bramwell, mature MSc student in Astronautics and Space Engineering.

Students from the University’s Engineering Design Centre also had the opportunity to show His Royal Highness a range of projects, including rocket designs and Formula E racing cars.

Local schoolchildren, from the University’s widening participation programme, were guests on campus to demonstrate hands-on STEM outreach projects, with The Duke joining in.

Students representing Ash Manor School, which is a Surrey STARS partner school, built battery powered model cars within the Engineering Design Centre.

During the visit, The Duchess of Edinburgh met medical students at the first and only medical school in Surrey.

Prof Stephen Jarvis's installation

The Duke puts on a robe of blue brocade edged with gold lace and additional ornamentation ahead of the ceremony at Guildford Cathedral on Wednesday 11 February 2026.

The Chancellor sits alongside Prof Jarvis, who begins the ceremony wearing the academic robe awarded to him by the University of Durham for completing his PhD before donning the high officer robe as the University's President and Vice-Chancellor.

With his hand on the University mace, The Duke confers the office and title of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey upon Prof Jarvis.

While also holding the University mace, Prof Jarvis declares that he will undertake to maintain the University as a seat of academic excellence and learning and will promote innovation and research in all the University’s disciplines.

Five decades of service

HRH The Duke of Kent returned to fulfil the duties of Pro-Chancellor at graduation on Friday 10^th July 2026 - one week ahead of the 50th anniversary of his appointment as Chancellor. During the opening graduation ceremony, at Guildford Cathedral, President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Jarvis offered the Chancellor congratulations on his achievement before graduands and fellow members of the congregation showed their appreciation with a standing ovation.

Prof Jarvis said: "On behalf of our whole University community, may I offer you our warmest congratulations on this remarkable milestone. It stands as testament to the unwavering support, dedication, the encouragement that Your Royal Highness has given to the University over half a century.

"I understand that, since attending your first graduation ceremony as Chancellor, Your Royal Highness has conferred degrees on more than 70,000 Surrey graduates. This is an extraordinary number, and one that speaks not only to the scale of your service, but to the many lives and futures to which you have been connected.

"We are profoundly grateful to have Your Royal Highness as our Chancellor and as such a loyal champion of this University. Your steadfast belief in the power of higher education, in the importance of research that makes a difference, and in the value of strong and productive partnerships has meant a great deal to Surrey.

"During your time as Chancellor, the University has grown in ambition, reputation and global reach, while our graduates have gone on to make their mark in communities, professions and industries around the world.

"Chancellor, thank you for your continued support, your guidance and your service to the University of Surrey. We are deeply honoured by your association with us, and delighted to mark this exceptional anniversary with you."

Picture Credits

Photograph of HRH The Duke of Kent, Chancellor of the University of Surrey, starting the London College League cross-country race during a visit to the University of Surrey sports pavilion, Ref No US/PH/4/3/86_4, © University of Surrey, 24 January 1979

Photograph taken during a visit by HRH The Duke of Kent to departments at the University of Surrey, Ref No US/PH/4/3/10_2, © University of Surrey, 22 November 1982

Photograph taken during a visit by HRH The Duke of Kent to a laboratory at the University of Surrey, Ref No US/PH/4/3/11, © University of Surrey, 22 November 1982

HRH The Duke of Kent, Chancellor of the University of Surrey, during a visit to the Department of Music to watch a music student, Joe Farler, recording a concert being given by fellow students in the University Hall, Ref No US/PH/4/3/88, © University of Surrey, 1984

HRH The Duke of Kent, Chancellor of the University of Surrey, during a visit to the Epidemiology and Health Care Research Unit of the Robens Institute at the University of Surrey, Ref No US/PH/4/3/87, © University of Surrey, 1986

Ceremony held at Waterloo Station to formally name an electro-diesel locomotive 'University of Surrey', marking the 21st Anniversary of the University. HRH The Duke of Kent, Chancellor of the University of Surrey, is shown unveiling the nameplate on the locomotive, Ref No US/PH/4/1/60_3, © University of Surrey, 3 July 1987

HRH The Duke of Kent, Chancellor of the University of Surrey, during a visit to the Department of Microbiology with the Head of Department Professor Ray Spier and lecturer Dr Phil Whitney, Ref No US/PH/4/3/89, © University of Surrey, 9 December 1988

HRH The Duke of Kent, Chancellor of the University of Surrey, during a visit to the University to open the refurbished Hall Restaurant, Ref No US/PH/4/3/94_5, © University of Surrey, 6 July 1990

Photograph taken during a visit by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Kent to the University of Surrey, Ref No US/PH/4/3/24_2, © University of Surrey, 20 March 1992

Photograph taken during a visit by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Kent to the University of Surrey and Guildford Cathedral, Ref No US/PH/4/3/26_1, © University of Surrey, 20 March 1992

HRH The Duke of Kent, Chancellor of the University of Surrey, during a visit to the University to unveil a portrait painting of himself, Ref No US/PH/4/3/100_1, © University of Surrey, circa 2000

University senior management at the launch of Surrey Scholars Scheme at St James's Palace with The Duke of Kent, 1997.
© University of Surrey, from the Archives & Special Collections, Ref. US/PH/4/2/30

Invitation to the Reception for the 25^th Anniversary of the University’s Royal Charter and the 100^th Anniversary of Battersea Polytechnic, September 1991. © University of Surrey, from the Archives & Special Collections, Ref. UA/ER/AF/4/15/1/14

The Duke of Kent in the European Institute of Health and Medical Sciences at the opening of the Duke of Kent Building, 12 March 2000. © University of Surrey, from the Archives & Special Collections, Ref. US/PH/4/4/4

The Duke of Kent at the opening of the Duke of Kent Building, 12 March 2000. © University of Surrey, from the Archives & Special Collections, Ref. US/PH/4/4/8

Invitation and programme for the Ceremony for the Conferment of Honorary Degrees, Guildford Cathedral, 2 November 2011. © University of Surrey, from the Archives & Special Collections, Ref. ASD/22/7/10