Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III and our University
20 Sep 2022
Our University has been honoured by visits from the Queen and the then Prince Charles on several occasions. We’ve gathered a selection of photos and videos from our archives to celebrate these visits, as our community mourns the Queen’s passing and welcomes the accession of the new King
Main Library Extension opening, May 5 1982
Opening of Main Library extension by HM Queen Elizabeth II, 5 May 1982. Mr J C Hulme demonstrating a computer to the Queen. Michael Pegg (Librarian) in attendance.
Opening of Main Library extension by HM Queen Elizabeth II, 5 May 1982. Mr J C Hulme demonstrating a computer to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. Michael Pegg (Librarian) in attendance.
The Royal Charter, 22 October 2004
The University of Manchester in its current form was created in 2004 by the amalgamation of the Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST). We mark this occasion every October by celebrating our Foundation Day.
In 2004, to formally mark this event, the Queen visited the University to present the Royal Charter and spoke to assembled guests in Whitworth Hall.
John Rylands 2010
The now King Charles III and The Queen Consort visited the John Rylands Library in 2010. During the visit, they viewed some of the most significant books and manuscripts ever produced, including the St John Fragment, the oldest known surviving piece of the New Testament, dating from around 125AD. They were also shown exquisite medieval illuminated manuscripts, the earliest example of European printing, the 1423 St. Christopher Woodcut, and the personal papers of distinguished historical figures including Elizabeth Gaskell.
Jodrell Bank and UMIST
The future King visited UMIST in 1995. He also went to Jodrell Bank in 2003, to commemorate the re-birth of its flagship Lovell Telescope following a major upgrade.