Royals visit university to see space research

The Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke of Kent have visited the University of Surrey to see its medical and space programmes.

The duchess met medical students, watched training sessions, and fitted a commemorative panel to a satellite during the visit on Wednesday.

The pair also joined children from the university's participation programmes and saw student engineering projects, including rockets and Formula E racing cars at the Guildford campus.

Prof Stephen Jarvis, the university's president, said: "For our students, whether still studying or already well into their careers, having two members of the Royal Family witness this work first-hand is an experience they will long remember."

He added: "It was a truly memorable day for our entire community."

The Royal Family has long had a connection with the university as the duke has been its chancellor for 50 years.

Patrick Degg, vice-president of global at the university, said the duke's presence continued to "inspire our community and affirm the values at the heart of this institution".

The duchess officially opened the university's Kate Granger Building in 2020 and Queen Elizabeth II visited the campus in 1992, 1998, and 2015.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook or X. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.