Crown Prince of Norway receives Honorary Degree from Northumbria University

Northumbria University, Newcastle, has conferred an Honorary Degree on His Royal Highness, The Crown Prince of Norway.

Crown Prince Haakon was presented with the Doctor of Civil Law degree at the Royal Palace in Oslo by Professor Andrew Wathey CBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University, and Chris Sayers, Chair of the Board of Governors for Northumbria. As well as recognising the Prince’s contribution to military and civilian life in Norway, the award reflects Northumbria’s strong links with Norway, and with Newcastle. It also means Crown Prince Haakon follows his mother Queen Sonja who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law by Northumbria in 1996.

The 42-year-old heir apparent has served in the Royal Norwegian Navy, where his rank is Admiral, and as a General in the Norwegian Army and Royal Norwegian Airforce. Along with his official duties he has a number of patronage roles and has a strong interest in cultural matters. In 2006 he also joint founded Global Dignity, an independent, non-political organisation that promotes the universal right of every human being to lead a dignified life.

Professor Wathey said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to recognise the long-standing connection between Prince Haakon’s and his family and Northumbria University and its work, particularly in the arts, culture and sport. The University is honoured by this award, which is also an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural links we have established with Norway over the years, with the support and encouragement of the Royal Family. You only have to see the row of bronze and granite sculptures on our campus by the distinguished Norwegian artist Nicolaus Widerberg, or speak with the students we have studying here from Norway, to appreciate this in full.”