Camilla meets students, composer and professional footballer in Aberdeen visit
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The Queen has met students, a composer and a professional footballer as well as enjoying a musical performance during a visit to the University of Aberdeen. Camilla, who was installed as the university’s chancellor in 2013, visited the Sir Duncan Rice library to meet some of those involved in community-building initiatives supported by the university.
This included students and staff on the university’s online PGDE primary education course, which is aimed at widening access to teaching qualifications. She also met members of the Savy Students Club, which teaches students how to cook healthy and nutritious meals while taking into account the pressing financial challenges faced by many today.
She was also introduced to supporters and volunteers of the Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust (AFCCT), which works across schools in the city to tackle the impact of child poverty, reduce social isolation and improve mental wellbeing. The visit was rounded off with a moving performance of Professor Paul Mealor’s arrangement of Robert Burns’ Ae Fond Kiss, sung by the university’s chapel choir.
Prof Mealor has composed music for royal occasions including new pieces for the coronation at Westminster Abbey and the national service of thanksgiving and dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh. Speaking after the visit, Alyson Young, programme director of the PGDE course, said she hoped the visit would have a “really positive impact” on the profile of the programme.
