Princess Anne was awarded an honorary Doctor of the University degree from the University of Lincoln on September 10, 2026. The honor recognizes her significant contributions to public life, as well as her support for agriculture and rural communities.
During her visit to the Riseholme Campus, the Princess Royal officially opened the new Geothermal Glasshouse, a £2.4 million facility powered by renewable geothermal ground-source heating. This innovative center is designed to support university researchers and businesses in developing new crops, technologies, and growing systems, ultimately aiding in efficient and sustainable food production.
Princess Anne, 76, learned about the cutting-edge work at the facility, including autonomous robots and the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture. She interacted with staff and students involved in the development of the new glasshouse, as well as representatives from the farming and agri-tech sectors.
Professor Neal Juster, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, called the Princess's visit an honor and stated the university was particularly pleased to recognize her "extraordinary record of public service." This marks Princess Anne's second visit to the university, having previously opened its Engineering Hub in 2012.
The Princess Royal's engagement at the University of Lincoln occurred the day after she attended the funeral of King Harald V of Norway in Oslo. Prince William represented King Charles at the service, while Princess Anne attended in a personal capacity as a godmother to the new King Haakon VIII. She was seen offering comfort to King Harald's widow, Queen Sonja, during the solemn occasion.
