Update: Statement regarding Honorary Degree held by the Sultan of Brunei

6 June 2019

The willingness of the Sultan of Brunei to inflict death by stoning and other egregious penalties upon individuals in Brunei simply because of who they are or whom they love provoked real anguish within our community. Brunei's decision collided with values and freedoms which are upheld and championed at King's.

The Council of King’s College London has since initiated a review of the award to His Majesty in 2011 of the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa. As part of this process, we attached importance to extending an invitation to the Sultan to respond, which has been done.

The Council met on 3 June to consider a recommendation from the Fellowships and Honorary Degrees Committee that the award be rescinded. That recommendation was approved. Accordingly, the decision has now been communicated to His Majesty and will take immediate effect.