During the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our University was proud to have an ongoing relationship with The Queen and the wider Royal Household.  

As far back as 1985, The Queen met students from the then Ealing College of Higher Education at the opening of the Ealing Broadway Centre, which took place during rag week. 

In 2009, I was honoured to welcome Her Majesty The Queen and her husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, to the University to officially open Paragon House.  It was a marvellous day when Her Majesty unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion and chatted with staff and students and we were able to showcase the very best of UWL. 

In 2010, the University’s London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for outstanding achievement and excellence in hospitality education.  For many years, we have worked closely with the Royal Household to provide job opportunities for our graduates and of course UWL graduate, Mark Flanagan is Royal Chef and Assistant to the Master of the Household at The Royal Household.   

In 2016, The Queen presented London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism student, Jennifer Santner with the Gold Service Scholarship award. 

I was honoured to be awarded a CBE in the Queen’s 2020 New Year honours list. 

As a nation, we are mourning a Monarch who provided calm and steadfast leadership over decades through sometimes challenging and turbulent periods.  As a University, we are also mourning a Monarch who supported our mission to enable everyone to meet their full potential.   

I know it is an emotional time and that there are many in our University community who would like to share their thoughts and memories following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  Books of Condolence are now open in the reception areas of our campus buildings. These are also open to the public.

The Queen’s Funeral will take place on Monday 19 September at Westminster Abbey at 11am. As a mark of respect, the day has been declared a Bank holiday and the University will be closed.

We mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who has been a guiding light and a source of inspiration for our nation, the Realms and the Commonwealth for more than 70 years. We are grateful for her wisdom, generosity of spirit and her selfless dedication to duty of service. 

Professor Peter John, CBE.

Vice-Chancellor and CEO, University of West London.