Statement from the Royal Agricultural University following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

09 Sep 2022

Professor Peter McCaffery, Vice-Chancellor of the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), said:

“Every one of us, here at the Royal Agricultural University, is deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen.

“We send our deepest condolences to King Charles III and all members of the Royal family.

“Queen Elizabeth II became the Patron of what was then the Royal Agricultural College, in 1952, having taken on the patronage following the death of her father King George VI.

“We have been delighted to welcome her to our campus twice, most recently in March 1996, when she and Prince Philip visited for the College’s 150th anniversary.

“During their visit they both showed a keen interest in all areas of the College and kindly took time to meet and talk with both staff and students. Despite the wet weather, she planted a mature black poplar tree at the front of the campus to mark the College’s anniversary.

“The Union Flag at our Cirencester campus is being flown at half-mast and a Book of Condolence has been opened in the RAU Chapel for all staff, students, and alumni who wish to pay their respects.

“A letter of condolence will be sent from myself and Dame Fiona Reynolds, Chair of the RAU Governing Council, to King Charles III to express our sadness.”