His Majesty The King visits Oriel College

His Majesty The King today (Friday 10 July) made his first visit to Oriel College, meeting with students, academics, staff and alumni.

Founded by royal charter 700 years ago in 1326, Oriel is the oldest college of royal foundation in Oxford. The British monarch is the Visitor of the College, in recognition of this royal connection.

His Majesty was welcomed to Oriel by the Provost, Lord Mendoza, before being shown the Chapel and Hall. In the Chapel, The King viewed the small, humble oratory which Saint John Henry Newman used for private prayer when he was a Fellow and chaplain at the College.

His Majesty met members from across Oriel’s community during his visit, including students, state school pupils, Governing Body Fellows, staff, donors, and academics working in fields related to sustainability, energy policy and the environment.

Lord Mendoza, Provost, Oriel College, said:

“The King’s visit to Oriel is a deeply meaningful occasion for our close-knit college community, as we celebrate the rare distinction of being dedicated to academic endeavour for 700 years.

“Much like His Majesty, we care about creating opportunity for young people, protecting the natural environment and conserving our built heritage. This care is reflected in the teaching and research undertaken by our academic colleagues.

“We are grateful to His Majesty for serving as our Visitor and continuing the relationship with Oriel that was deepened by Queen Elizabeth II. Her late Majesty visited Oriel on six occasions, and her visits are remembered with special fondness by our college today.”