THE CHANCELLOR of Oxford University called the Queen ‘one of Britain’s greatest monarchs’.

Paying tribute to Her Majesty, Lord Patten said: “We are all profoundly grateful for her services to the UK and the Commonwealth, which she carried out at all times with generosity of spirit, good humour and wise judgement. Requiescat in pace.”

The peer, who as the last Governor of Hong Kong was the monarch’s representative in what was then a Crown dependency, said: “Queen Elizabeth was one of Britain’s greatest monarchs, which is not solely because of the achievements and length of her remarkable reign, as well as the changes and challenges the UK and the world underwent during that time.

“It is, above all, because of her utter dedication to duty, responsibility, decency and brave integrity.”

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The Queen had a long association with Oxford University.

In 1948, she was awarded a degree by diploma in a visit that also saw her meet Oriel College Boat Club’s tortoise mascot, called Mr Testudo.

She became the first monarch to officially visit the City of Oxford, rather than the University, in 1960. In that year, she also laid the foundation stone for St Catherine’s College.

The monarch held the formal title of Visitor to Christ Church, Oriel College, University College and St Antony’s College. A largely ceremonial role, it involves being an ‘impartial overseer’ of the institutions.

The University said arrangements for a service of thanksgiving and the opening of a book of condolences would be announced in the coming days.