Aarhus University is a university with close ties to the Danish royal family. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik graduated from the university as Master of Science (Political Science), while Her Majesty the Queen has studied both archaeology and political science at the university. When Her Majesty turned seventy earlier this year it was therefore natural to allow the university’s gift to reflect and underpin this close relationship. In consultation with the Queen, Aarhus University therefore decided to establish ”Queen Margrethe the Second’s travel grant for students at Aarhus University”. I will therefore now award two travel grants – each in the amount of 25,000 Danish kroner – to a student of archaeology and political science respectively. I would ask student of archaeology Mette Løvschal and student of political science Thomas Tranekær to step forward.

Dear Mette Løvschal,

I take great pleasure in presenting you with the Queen’s travel grant of 25,000 Danish kroner. I know that your time at the university has already taken you to Cambridge University, where there is a strong and very progressive research environment – and where the Queen has moreover also studied archaeology. I hope that this grant will provide you with the opportunity to either once again visit Cambridge or one of the world’s other leading universities; I am certain that with your exceptional examination results you will benefit enormously from such a study environment and that you will bring new insight and ideas home with you.

Congratulations! And good luck!

Dear Thomas Tranekær,

I also present you with the Queen’s travel grant of 25,000 Danish kroner. You have completed your Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with an exceptionally high grade point average and I know that this has initially led to admission to London School of Economics and Political Science. I’m certain that your time there will expand your horizons, and that you will have every opportunity to develop intellectually in what is one of the world’s most stimulating study environments.

Congratulations! And good luck!