We are delighted to confirm that Catherine Royle (1982, PPE) was formally admitted to office as Principal of Somerville College in a ceremony held earlier today.
The admission of the Principal is a ceremony traditionally presided over by the Official Visitor of the College, which at Somerville is the Chancellor of the University of Oxford. As such, we were honoured to welcome William Hague, Baron Hague of Richmond, to Somerville in his capacity as Chancellor of the University since 2024.
Somerville Principal Catherine Royle and Lord Hague, Chancellor of the University of Oxford
In the course of the ceremony, Lord Hague received from Vice-Principal Professor Benjamin Thompson formal notification of the election of Catherine to Principal, sealed with the college seal. He then received the declaration from the new Principal that she would faithfully perform the duties of her office, and observe the statutes and by-laws of the college. The Chancellor concluded proceedings by signing a letter declaring that he had received both the notification and declaration.
Later, after lunch in Hall, Lord Hague gave a speech evoking the many strengths of the University to which Catherine, as a former student, is now returning. He also praised Somerville for its unique blend of inclusive heritage and go-getting outlook – as well as its prime location at the heart of the University’s newly developed Radcliffe Observatory Quarter!
Commenting on her election, Catherine Royle said, “Somerville changed the course of my life by introducing me to new challenges, opportunities and people. I am thrilled to have the chance now to extend similar intellectual and personal opportunities to the next generation of Somervillians. In a difficult time for our world, it is our job to ensure that this special college remains a place where all sorts of people can flourish and go out into the world to shape change.”
Catherine Royle was previously elected Principal in January, and took up office on 17 September.
Vice-Principal Professor Benjamin Thompson, Principal Catherine Royle and Lord Hague, Chancellor of the University
Lord Hague reads the declaration of the Principal
Somerville College philosophers Professor Karen Margrethe Nielsen and Emeritus Fellow Lesley Brown in conversation with the Chancellor
Somerville College fellows and staff toast the formal admission of the new Principal
Some effervescent conversation
Lord Hague speaking after lunch
Lord Hague spoke eloquently to the strengths of both Oxford and Somerville
Catherine Royle Biography
Catherine Royle is a former UK diplomat and NATO political adviser. As a student at Somerville in the 1980s, Catherine read PPE and served as JCR President. Upon graduating, she completed an MscEcon in Strategic Studies at the University of Wales before joining the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Her diplomatic postings took her to Chile, Dublin and Buenos Aires, and she later served as British Ambassador to Venezuela (2007-2010) and Deputy Ambassador to Afghanistan (2010-12). She remained in Afghanistan supporting the transition to Afghan independence until 2015, when she joined NATO as Political Adviser to the Joint Force Command of NATO, advising on security and defence following Russia’s escalation of hostilities towards Europe. Catherine was made an Honorary Fellow of Somerville College in the academic year 2006-07.