Queen Camilla, as Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, paid a special visit to the campus this week to engage with students, staff, and local organisations, celebrating the university’s initiatives that impact education and the wider community. It was Camilla’s first engagement for 2025.
Her Majesty, who was installed as the university’s Chancellor in 2013, has been a frequent visitor, showing consistent support for its educational facilities and innovative programs.
Her Majesty visited the University of Aberdeen – her first engagement for 2025. (University of Aberdeen)
During her visit, Queen Camilla toured the Sir Duncan Rice Library, where she met with students and staff involved in the university’s online PGDE (Professional Graduate Diploma in Education) primary education course. This program is designed to widen access for Scottish individuals aspiring to obtain a teaching qualification but facing challenges that prevent them from attending traditional on-campus learning.
Alyson Young, the PGDE program director, emphasised the significance of Her Majesty’s visit: ‘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. Having Her Majesty come along, show real interest, and want to know more about the program allows us to highlight its importance. Our students are our best ambassadors because they’re so positive and enthusiastic’.
Julie Smith, a student in the program, described meeting Queen Camilla as ‘phenomenal’. She added: ‘It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We didn’t know who we were meeting until we arrived. She just put us at ease and was very interested in what we were doing, asking us about how long we’ve been on the course and what we’ve been learning.’
The Queen also met members of the Savy Students Club, a student-led group that teaches participants how to prepare nutritious meals on a limited budget. As a token of appreciation, the club presented Her Majesty with a custom cookery book, showcasing their commitment to practical and affordable healthy eating.
The visit concluded with a poignant performance by the University’s Chapel Choir, under the direction of Professor Paul Mealor. The choir performed Mealor’s arrangement of Robert Burns’ Ae Fond Kiss, a fitting tribute to Her Majesty’s connection with Scotland. Professor Mealor, an acclaimed composer, has created music for numerous Royal occasions, including pieces for the Coronation at Westminster Abbey and the Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral.
Queen Camilla heard the University’s Chapel Choir perform. (University of Aberdeen)
Her Majesty also celebrated the university’s collaboration with the Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT), a long-standing partner in local outreach. Pupils from St Machar Academy proudly presented a special-edition AFCCT football shirt they designed to mark the Trust’s 10th anniversary.
Aberdeen FC defender Angus MacDonald, who is actively involved with the Trust, reflected on the day: ‘Meeting the Queen was an amazing experience and easily one of my top three moments during my time at the club. But the real focus is on the incredible work the kids and the Community Trust do. It’s an honour to see their efforts recognised at such a high level. The Trust’s impact on the community is inspiring.’
Queen Camilla conducted her first engagement of 2025 in Scotland. (Royal Family)
University of Aberdeen Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor George Boyne, expressed his gratitude for Queen Camilla’s unwavering support: ‘It is always a special and happy occasion when Her Majesty the Queen visits the University where she holds the important role of Chancellor. Queen Camilla has travelled to campus on numerous occasions over the years and I know she takes great interest in the world-class education and research carried out here – much of which is in areas close to her heart such as health and well-being, literacy and heritage and the arts, to name but a few. As well as taking time to meet staff, it’s a great opportunity for students and local young people to speak directly to Her Majesty and share their experiences with her.’
Through her visit, Queen Camilla reinforced her commitment to advancing education, fostering community initiatives, and supporting the arts and heritage, leaving a lasting impression on the University of Aberdeen and its students.
