Princess Royal views library treasures

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the University ahead of her installation as Chancellor in a few weeks’ time.

The Princess Royal toured the A-listed Main Library in George Square, which is undergoing a £60 million redevelopment due to finish next year.

With three-quarters of the work completed, visitor numbers are up 90 per cent since 2009.

The development of the library is one of many projects supported by the Edinburgh Campaign.

Items of historic interest

During her visit, Her Royal Highness - who will be installed as Chancellor on 26 September - viewed items of historic interest to the University.

These included the University Charter, which was granted by James VI in 1582.

Digitisation

She also toured the Library’s conservation and digitisation studios where rare books are cared for, digitised and made available online.

Her Royal Highness will also be given a preview of an exhibition called Woman Firsts, scheduled to open in the autumn.

The exhibition highlights the lives of remarkable women associated with the University.
Chancellor

The Princess Royal succeeds HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as Chancellor of the University.

The Duke of Edinburgh stepped down from the role in 2010, having held it since 1953. He opened the Main Library in 1967.

The election of the Chancellor is the responsibility of the General Council of the University.

The Princess Royal has been elected with effect from 31 March. She will be the University's eighth Chancellor in the 150-year history of the position.

The Princess Royal is also Patron of the University’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

The Chancellor is Chairman of the General Council and nominates an Assessor in the University Court. Degrees are conferred by the Chancellor, or by the Vice-Chancellor.

Posted: 4th August 2011