The morning ceremony began with a speech from our Chancellor, Her Royal Highness (HRH) The
Princess Royal, who warmly congratulated our graduates on their achievements: “I acknowledge
that your journey in getting to this point has been far from easy and I know that for all of
you, it represents a long and sustained commitment to a programme of study.”
The Princess Royal continued: “Some of you have had to remain in full-time work while
studying; others have had family or dependents to look after. And we must not forget those of
you who have had to study completely by yourselves, with little or no tutored support. I
know that our students invariably always complete their study programmes against the pressures
of juggling a family and career and it is for this reason that I, on behalf of all those
at the University of London, am particularly proud to see you all here today ready to graduate.”