Oxford’s Chancellor joins Provost of Oriel College on Candlemas

The Chancellor of Oxford University, Lord Hague of Richmond, and his wife, Dame Ffiona Hague, joined Provost Lord Mendoza and his wife Lady Mendoza to mark the feast-day of Candlemas at Oriel College on Monday.

Hague was elected as Chancellor in October 2024 and succeeded Lord Patten of Barnes, who served in the role for more than two decades. The Provost supported Hague in his election bid.

In an after-dinner speech the Chancellor discussed Oriel’s history, choir, Hall, rowing and 700th anniversary.

The new principals of St Hugh’s, Somerville and Lady Margaret Hall also came to Oriel College to celebrate Candlemas, along with other external guests including three new Statutory Professors at Oxford University.

Earlier in the day, Helen Malcolm KC was formally inducted as a new Honorary Fellow of the College.

Malcolm is a Deputy High Court Judge. Her legal expertise is in international criminal law, especially corporate fraud, corruption and extradition, and she has worked on several notable extradition cases.

Malcolm is the widow of Mark Whittow, the Byzantine Empire historian who was elected as Provost of Oriel College in 2017 but tragically died in a car accident before he was able to assume office.

Oriel celebrates Candlemas, marking the presentation of Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem 40 days after his birth, each year owing to its foundation in honour of the Virgin Mary.

Throughout 2026, Oriel is celebrating the 700th anniversary of its foundation.

The celebrations began on 21 January with a full day of events to mark 700 years to the day since King Edward II confirmed Adam de Brome’s foundation of Oriel College with a royal charter.

Events that are taking place during the year include reunion dinners for alumni from all years, dinner at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Washington DC and a service held at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, with evensong performed by Oriel’s chapel choir.