The Queens 90th University reflections
To mark the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, we take a trip down memory lane to remember her visits to the University of Leicester.
On 9 May 1958, a year after the University was granted its Royal Charter, which awarded it degree-awarding powers, HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh were on campus to open the Percy Gee Building.
On that occasion Her Majesty graced the occasion with the words: "Your double welcome to me and to my husband, and your assembly here in one building do indeed demonstrate the strength of the bond between city and university. Your city, rich in history and so closely linked with the story of Parliament, has always been a great centre of communications. Today, one of the foremost industrial towns in England, it also cherishes the things of the mind and the spirit."
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On 4 December 2008, The Queen revisited the campus to open the University's state-of-the-art David Wilson Library.
The University’s Residential and Catering Service which incorporates Leicester Conferences rose to the challenge of preparing and delivering a royal lunch for nearly 100 guests which included many local VIPs and dignitaries.
Staff are invited to represent the University at The Patron's Lunch in June.