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Historian Sandbrook among Oxford degree recipients

Ethan GudgeSouth of England
News imagePA Media Nine people stand facing the camera as they pose for a picture ahead of an honorary degree ceremony at the University of Oxford. They are in a variety of honorary robes and caps. From left, a man with glasses wears a red silk robe with grey and graduation cap, followed by to two ladies wearing red silk robes and doctoral Tudor bonnets, and a man with glasses wearing a red silk robe with grey and graduation cap. In the middle stands a man with a dark suit, white shirt and gold and black robe and graduation cap with gold tassel. To the right of him, a man in a red robe and Tudor bonnet, a woman in a red and grey robe with graduation cap, a woman in a red robe and Tudor bonnet and a woman in a red and grey robe and graduation cap. PA Media
The eight recipients were honoured at a ceremony on Tuesday

Historian and podcaster Dominic Sandbrook and former US Presidential candidate John Kerry are among those who have been awarded honorary degrees by the University of Oxford.

University chancellor Lord Hague handed the honours to eight recipients during a ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre on Tuesday.

Lord Hague was elected to the role last year, and Tuesday's event marked a longstanding tradition in which the new chancellor grants honorary degrees to mark their appointment.

The former Conservative Party leader said he was "delighted to honour eight exceptional individuals" whose achievements had been a "personal inspiration".

"In a ceremony that reflects Oxford's history and purpose, we celebrate honorands devoted to service, creativity, scholarship and leadership, whose work has made a profound impact on the world in which we live," he added.

News imagePA Media A man with glasses and wearing a blue suit, white shirt, blue tie, grey and red silk robe and a graduation cap carries documents and a black tube as he leaves a theatre following an honorary degree ceremony at the University of Oxford. Behind him is a man wearing glasses, a dark suit, pale blue shirt and tie, a grey and red silk robe and a graduation cap. He is also carrying documents and a black tube. There are other people in robes blurred in the background. PA Media
Historian Dominic Sandbrook said the "unexpected honour means the world"

Among those celebrated was historian and presenter of The Rest is History podcast, Dominic Sandbrook, who returned to his alma mater for the ceremony.

"I have incredibly fond memories of my time at Oxford," Sandbrook, who studied at Balliol College in the 1990s, said.

"I owe so much to the tutors who inspired my love of history and literature, and I've been very fortunate that through my books and podcasts, I've been able to share my passions with readers and listeners all over the world."

"So, this unexpected honour means the world to me."

News imagePA Media A man wearing a dark blue suit, white shirt, purple tie, red silk robe and doctoral Tudor bonnet smiles at the camera. There are stone walls and windows behind him. PA Media
John Kerry served as US Secretary of State between 2013 and 2017

Alongside Sandbrook, Democrat John Kerry - who was defeated in the 2004 US presidential election by incumbent Republican George W Bush - was also honoured.

Kerry later went on to serve as US Secretary of State during Barack Obama's second term in the White House.

He said it was a "privilege" to receive the honour from one of the world's oldest universities.

"Oxford is synonymous not just with scholarship, innovation and discovery, but with the tradition of spirited debate which keeps the blood of governance flowing," Kerry added.

Others awarded with honorary degrees at Tuesday's ceremony included political scientist and broadcaster Prof Sir John Curtice, author and journalist Christina Lamb and conservationist Isabella Tree.

University representatives also received honorary degrees, including its current vice chancellor Prof Irene Tracey.

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