The UWI paid its respects on the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain on September 8, 2022.

In issuing a formal statement of condolences to the royal family, the government and people of Great Britain, and citizens of the Commonwealth, Vice- Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles noted that the University’s relationship with Her Majesty and the royal family had deep historic roots, given that it was established in 1948 by Royal Charter that authorised the granting of degrees.

In 1950, Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone, served as the University’s first Chancellor. Three years later, Her Majesty became the University’s ‘Visitor’ (final appellate tribunal) and occupied this status until 2019, when she graciously agreed to the University’s request to have it filled by a Caribbean jurist.

The University was honoured to have hosted Her Majesty in 1953 at the Mona Campus during her maiden tour of the Commonwealth Caribbean. Her subsequent visits to the University in 1985, 1994 and 2002 were significant events and remembered with fondness.