Princess Anne brought a striking splash of red to the University of Lincoln today as she was honoured for decades of public service and her commitment to rural life.
The Princess Royal visited the university’s Riseholme Campus to officially open its new Geothermal Glasshouse, where she was also awarded the title of Doctor of the University, honoris causa.
Anne, 76, received the honorary degree in recognition of her wide-ranging contribution to public life, as well as her longstanding support for agriculture and rural communities.
During the engagement, the royal was given a close look at the work taking place inside the £2.4million facility, which uses renewable geothermal ground-source heating to support cutting-edge research.
The Geothermal Glasshouse is designed to help University of Lincoln researchers and industry partners develop new crops, technologies and growing systems, while advancing more efficient and sustainable food production.
Wearing a chic pair of sunglasses, the Princess Royal was presented with a basket of strawberries as she heard about the expertise of strawberry pickers and the technology being used to produce 3D models of strawberry plants.
Her tour also included discussions with teams leading research at the University of Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT), where innovations include autonomous robots and artificial intelligence applications for agriculture.
Anne later met university staff and students involved in creating the new facility, along with representatives from farming, agri-tech and the businesses that helped bring the Glasshouse project to life.
Hard-working Princess Anne was a vision in red as she unveiled an innovative new facility at the University of Lincoln today
The Princess Royal opened the Geothermal Glasshouse held at the Riseholme Campus and was conferred with the award of Doctor of the University, honoris causa
During her visit, Anne learnt first-hand about the innovative work being undertaken at the £2.4million facility – which is powered by renewable geothermal ground-source heating
Professor Neal Juster, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, described Anne’s visit as an ‘honour’ – adding that the University were ‘particularly pleased to recognise Her Royal Highness’s extraordinary record of public service’,
It marks Anne’s second visit to the university – having officially opened the University’s Engineering Hub at its Brayford Pool Campus in 2012.
The Princess Royal’s visit comes just one day after she paid her respects at the funeral of King Harald V of Norway, alongside Prince William.
The Prince of Wales represented his father King Charles at the service at Oslo Cathedral, while his aunt, the Princess Royal, attended in a private and personal capacity as godmother of the new King Haakon VIII.
They were joined by other royals from around the world, including King Felipe of Spain, Queen Rania of Jordan and Princess Charlene of Monaco.
Following the birth of Haakon on July 20, 1973, Princess Anne was named as one of his godparents, along with his late grandfather, Olav V, Harald’s sister, Princess Astrid, Mrs Ferner, Sweden’s Carl XVI Gustaf, Denmark’s Queen Margrethe and Prince Carl Bernadotte.
Reuniting with her godson, Anne warmly hugged Haakon VIII after Harald V was laid to rest at Akershus Fortress, as their conversation brought a smile to the new King’s face despite the sombre occasion.
When Anne noticed Queen Sonja standing by herself, she politely excused herself as William stepped forward to warmly greet Haakon in their first meeting since he became King of Norway.
After executing a perfect curtsy before Sonja, the typically reserved Anne held both of her hands as she appeared to console Haakon’s grieving mother with kind words and reassuring smiles.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra could repeatedly be seen thanking Prince William, who attended the funeral without the Princess of Wales, and Princess Anne during a brief exchange before they departed the Royal Palace.
The Princess Royal was gifted a basket of strawberries as she learnt about the skills of strawberry pickers and the technology used to create 3D models of strawberry plants
Professor Neal Juster, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, described Anne’s visit as an ‘honour’ – adding that the University were ‘particularly pleased to recognise Her Royal Highness’s extraordinary record of public service’
Anne also spoke with members of staff and students from the university involved in the development of the new facility, alongside representatives of the farming and agri-tech sectors and businesses involved in the Glasshouse’s development
The new Geothermal Glasshouse will enable University researchers and businesses to help develop new crops, technologies and growing systems, while also aiding efficient and sustainable food production
Harald was Europe’s oldest reigning sovereign after Queen Elizabeth II, ruling over Norway for over 35 years until he sadly passed away on August 28 at the age of 89.
His state funeral was held at Oslo Cathedral on Wednesday as an extraordinary contingent of royals from around the world gathered in the Norwegian capital to pay their respects to the ‘grandfather of the nation’.
Senior members of 11 royal households – including Spain, Denmark, Japan and Jordan – were among the list of VIP guests at yesterday’s historic service that included a procession from the Royal Palace to the Chapel, gun salutes and speeches.
In the end, however, it will be remembered for the quiet gestures of love, the fervent outpouring of grief from otherwise reserved kings and queens and a touching display of solidarity with Norway’s new King Haakon VIII and Queen Sonja.
While Denmark’s King Frederik welled up and was visibly emotional during the poignant service for his beloved ‘Uncle Harald’, the Princess Royal won praise from fans after they noticed the tender moment she shared with Harald’s 89-year-old widow Sonja.
There was not a dry eye in Oslo Cathedral – from King Frederik X of Denmark to Norway’s new Queen Mette-Marit and her heartbroken mother-in-law, Sonja, who was married to Harald for almost 58 years.
The Danish royal house was among the first to send their condolences after Harald passed away peacefully at Rikshospitalet on August 28.
In an open letter to Haakon VIII, King Frederik and Queen Mary remembered his ‘unwavering calm’ and ‘dry humour’ while reflecting on the close bonds between their families.
‘Your father meant a great deal to my mother (Queen Margrethe) and both of us,’ the royal couple wrote. ‘He was an extraordinary man, with a twinkle in his eye and a big heart.
‘For 35 years, King Harald was a strong unifying figure for the Norwegian people. He joined duty and responsibility with presence and compassion. He was cherished like few others, and he will be missed by many.’
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