The Countess of Chester, as The Duchess of Cornwall is known when in the city, attended the University of Chester's Graduation Ceremony today and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her commitment to promoting literacy.

In the historic Chester Cathedral, Her Royal Highness received a Doctorate of Letters in front of 500 graduands from a number of academic faculties who were being awarded their degrees.

The Countess is a strong promoter of literacy in the UK and internationally, with particular focus on encouraging a love of reading and writing from an early age.

Her Royal Highness is an avid reader and undertakes a number of engagements to promote the importance of supporting literacy, including the 500 Words Competition, an initiative which encourages children around the country to get creative and send in their stories of no more than 500 words, and the Man Booker Prize for Fiction.

The Countess said during a speech: “I want to begin by thanking you, Chancellor, for the Honorary Doctorate that you have just bestowed upon me. I am grateful, too, for the Public Orator’s generous words and for the wonderfully warm welcome I have received today.

“As Countess of Chester, I take great pride in my relationship with both this beautiful city and now with your University.”