'Great sadness' at Queen's death

An official portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II wearing her New Zealand honours.

The University expresses heartfelt condolences to His Majesty King Charles III and the Royal Family on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Hers was an extraordinary lifetime of service and devotion to people from around the world, for which we are extremely grateful.

We remember the Queen's visit to our campus during her March 1970 royal visit.

On 16 March 1970, Queen Elizabeth II visited the University of Otago campus with Prince Charles and Princess Anne. Queen Elizabeth toured the Central Library.

“18 March 1970 was a rather unusual day in the Central Library. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip chatted to students. They and Prince Charles and Princess Anne toured several parts of the University.” Credit: University of Otago Registry Records, AG-180-072/021. Hocken Collections Uare Taoka o Hākena'.

King Charles was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University in 1981.

The Queen was much-loved by generations of people, and we remember her contribution at a time of great sadness for many.

- Vice-Chancellor Professor David Murdoch