St Andrews ‘the best University in the world’

HRH Prince William described the University of St Andrews as by “far and away the best University in the world” when he returned to launch its 600th Anniversary Campaign.

Coming back to St Andrews on his first official visit to Scotland with fellow graduate Catherine Middleton, the Prince described how proud he was to be asked to be Patron of the Anniversary Campaign.

During his speech to the audience, Prince William said that the visit was “a very special moment to Catherine and me. It feels like coming home”. He spoke of the University’s aim to raise £100m and its dedication to opening its doors to people of all backgrounds.

He said: “The Appeal we are launching today aims to raise £100 million to invest in people and ideas, ensuring that the brightest students – that’s you and me of course – come to St Andrews, regardless of background and circumstance.”

Leading by example, the University’s Principal Professor Louise Richardson announced during the event that it is to establish a new scholarship, as a wedding gift to the couple.

The University of St Andrews 600th Anniversary will span three calendar years from 2011 to 2013. It marks the formal charter granted by Bishop Henry Wardlaw in February 1411 and the achievement of full university status conferred by Pope Benedict XIII by Papal Bull in 1413.

During today’s visit, Prince William and Miss Middleton attended a reception at University House and visited the Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA), where they were shown the surviving Papal Bull. A gathering of 600 staff and students awaited the couple in the historic St Salvator’s Quadrangle, where Prince William unveiled a plaque to mark the launch of the 600th Anniversary Appeal.

Afterwards the couple met with current members of the student community and staff who they had known during their time at St Andrews, before meeting members of the public.

Prince William and Miss Middleton met at the University of St Andrews and both graduated in 2005. Prince William graduated with an honours degree in Geography and Miss Middleton with an honours degree in History of Art.