THE Duchess of Cornwall will receive an honorary degree from the University of Chester on Friday (March 16).

Camilla, who is also the Countess of Chester, is due to attend the graduation ceremony at the cathedral where she will make a speech.

The honorary doctorate is in recognition of her commitment to promoting literacy and celebrating literature.

She will join 500 graduands from a number of academic faculties receiving their degrees on the same day from the university’s chancellor, Dr Gyles Brandreth.

A university spokesman said: “The Duchess is a passionate promoter of literacy in the UK and internationally, with particular focus on encouraging a love of reading and writing from an early age.

“HRH is an avid reader and undertakes a number of engagements to promote the importance of supporting literacy both to children and adults, alike including the Man Booker Prize for Fiction and the 500 Words Competition – an initiative which encourages children around the country to get creative and send in their stories of no more than 500 words.

“The Duchess is also patron of several organisations associated with literacy, including the National Literacy Trust, Book Trust, First Story, the Wicked Young Writer Awards and Beanstalk.”

On arrival at the cathedral, Camilla will be met by dignitaries including Anthony Parker the Academic Secretary and Dr Brandreth.

She will be robed in the cathedral with a doctoral gown before taking her seat on the platform in front of the Nave.

Following the postgraduate and undergraduate awards being given, the public orator will deliver an ‘encomium’ about HRH's literacy work before she is presented with her honorary doctorate and makes a speech.

Following the degree ceremony official photographs will be taken before the Duchess joins a reception made up of students representing some of the university’s public service programmes such as teaching, nursing, midwifery, social care and policing, together with other guests.

On departure HRH will meet a small group of children from the University Church Free School in Chester, part of the University of Chester Academies Trust, who will present her with a gift relating to their written work.