On February 24, 2026, King Charles III led a prestigious ceremony at St James’s Palace to present the Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education, honouring 19 outstanding universities and colleges across the United Kingdom. The event celebrated excellence in education, research, innovation, and societal impact, reflecting the late Queen Elizabeth II’s lifelong commitment to learning and now carried forward by the current monarch. Accompanied by Queen Camilla, the King was joined by The Princess Royal (Princess Anne), The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, in what marked one of the largest gatherings of senior royals at the palace in recent times.

The Queen Elizabeth Prizes—previously known as the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes—form part of the UK’s national honours system. Awarded every two years on the advice of the Prime Minister following a rigorous review by the independent Royal Anniversary Trust, they recognise institutions whose work demonstrates exceptional quality, innovation, and real-world benefit. This 16th round (covering 2024-2026) highlighted groundbreaking contributions across diverse fields, from fire safety engineering and cancer radiotherapy to sustainable textiles, modern slavery research, dementia care, Paralympic performance, prison education access, and more.

The ceremony itself was a blend of formality and warmth. King Charles personally presented silver gilt medallions bearing the cypher of the late Queen Elizabeth II to representatives from each winning institution. A reception followed, allowing the royals to engage directly with winners and learn more about their projects. Queen Camilla, The Princess Royal, and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester mingled with guests, creating an atmosphere of genuine appreciation for the sector’s achievements.

A highlight was the recognition of The University of Edinburgh, which received an award for the world-leading work of its Centre for Fire Safety Engineering. The centre, a global pioneer for 50 years, conducts internationally significant research, advanced education, and training that underpins fire safety design, policy, regulation, and innovation in both built and natural environments. Princess Anne attended in her official role as Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, arriving in her chancellor’s robes before changing to greet recipients as a working royal. Her presence underscored the personal connection and the university’s pride in the honour.

Other notable winners included:

London Metropolitan University for its Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit (CWASU), a 40-year effort dedicated to ending violence against women and girls through interdisciplinary research, policy influence, criminal justice reform, and survivor support.
The Institute of Cancer Research, London, for pioneering radiotherapy advancements that improve cancer treatment effectiveness.
The University of Nottingham for its Rights Lab, transforming global understanding and action against modern slavery and forced labour.
Newcastle University for groundbreaking research into Dementia with Lewy Bodies, enhancing diagnosis, care, and quality of life.
Lancaster University, Loughborough University, University of Leeds, University of Oxford, University of Southampton, and others for contributions ranging from sustainable textiles and music performance science to Paralympic athlete support and digital literacy initiatives.
Further education colleges such as Gateshead College, Hull College, North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, and North West Regional College for innovative apprenticeships, built-environment training, and community-focused programs.

The prizes highlight the breadth of UK higher and further education, showcasing how institutions drive societal progress. From tackling global challenges like climate resilience and health inequalities to expanding access for underrepresented groups—including prison learners—the winners demonstrate education’s power to create lasting change.

The event carried added significance amid recent royal family developments. It represented a moment of unity, with King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, and the Gloucesters appearing together publicly. Prince Edward, originally expected, withdrew due to illness, but the ceremony proceeded with focus on celebration rather than speculation.

King Charles has long championed education, sustainability, and innovation—causes central to many prize-winning projects. His address during the presentation likely reflected on the late Queen’s legacy in fostering learning and the ongoing role of universities and colleges in building a better future.

For the winners, the recognition serves as both validation and inspiration. The University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Fire Safety Engineering, for example, continues to influence global standards, saving lives through better building design and emergency response. Similarly, initiatives addressing violence against women, cancer care, and modern slavery illustrate education’s frontline role in social justice and public welfare.

As the UK navigates post-pandemic recovery and global uncertainties, these prizes offer an inspiring snapshot of the sector’s resilience and creativity. They affirm that excellence in higher and further education remains vital to national strength and international standing.

The Queen Elizabeth Prizes continue to evolve—renamed to honour Queen Elizabeth II more explicitly—while preserving their core purpose: celebrating institutions that make a tangible difference. With 19 winners this round joining 337 previous recipients since 1994, the awards endure as a beacon of achievement in British academia.

In St James’s Palace on that February day, the royals and winners shared a moment of pride and purpose. The ceremony not only honoured past and present contributions but also looked forward—reminding everyone that education, in all its forms, remains one of the most powerful forces for good.