Queen Camilla was granted an honorary doctorate by her sister-in-law, Princess Anne, at a ceremony in London on Wednesday night(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Queen Camilla receives new title from Princess Anne before gracious offer declined in rare moment

Queen Camilla was awarded an honorary doctorate by her sister-in-law, Princess Anne, in a rare joint engagement. The pair shared a sweet moment before the ceremony

by · The Mirror

In a rare joint engagement, Queen Camilla was awarded an honorary doctorate by her sister-in-law, Princess Anne. The 77 year old Royal was one of five individuals honoured on the University of London's Foundation Day by the school's Chancellor, Princess Anne.

Camilla received an honorary doctorate of literature for her promotion of literacy and literature over the past two decades. She joins the ranks of King George V, Queen Mary, Sir Winston Churchill and Dame Judi Dench who have been conferred as part of the ceremony since 1098.

Princess Anne also presented honours to four other individuals for their exceptional contributions to society. Dr Nahim Ahmed MBE and Professor Sir Michael Arthur were awarded honorary doctorates of science, while Anthony Neoh and Abdul Fazal Bhanji OBE were conferred an honorary doctorate of laws and honorary fellow respectively.

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Queen Camilla and Princess Anne appeared at a joint engagement( Image: (Image: Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire))

Camilla and Anne arrived at Senate House together, where they were welcomed by the vice-chancellor of the University of London, Professor Wendy Thomson CBE and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Sir Mark Lowcock, reports the Express. Upon arrival, the Queen graciously offered her sister-in-law, Anne, the chance to enter a room first where they were set to meet honourees and their families.

However, with a polite smile and full knowledge of Royal protocol, Anne declined, insisting the Queen proceed before her.

Princess Anne and Camilla split up to welcome guests on either side of the line-up, with Camilla indulging in a light-hearted moment signing a visitor's book despite a playful interruption by Dr Nahim’s little lad. Both royals went on to wear ceremonial robes for their Sandringham appearances as they upheld tradition.

Princess Anne is Chancellor of the University of London( Image: (Image: Arthur Edwards/Pool Photo via AP))
Queen Camilla at the ceremony( Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Anne took centre stage during the ceremony to carry out the Chancellor's duties, delivering the Welcome and overseeing the awarding of degrees, while reflecting on her tight relationship with Camilla, which shone through in her praise of the Duchess in last year's BBC documentary 'Charles III: The Coronation'.

Anne said: "I've known her a long time, off and on. Her understanding of her role and how much difference it makes to the King has been absolutely outstanding."

She also lauded Camilla's commitment to her responsibilities, adding: "This role is not something that she would have been a natural for, but she does it really well. And she provides that change of speed and tone."