05 Jun 08

This degree is mainly awarded to heads of state. There are currently 21 living holders of the degree, including Queen Elizabeth II; King Harald, King of Norway; and Vaclav Havel, former President of the Czech Republic.

Upon awarding the degree, the Chancellor of the University, Lord Patten of Barnes, said: ‘We’re pleased to honour you today as we honoured your father in 1998. We’re privileged that you are accepting the highest dignity that the University can extend. You are a revered and respected member of our academic community. Like your father you have argued and worked for peace. You have consistently offered your region and your neighbours a better way of living together. We want to show the esteem in which we hold your efforts as a peacemaker. We hope that your voice will be heard and your vision will be shared.’

King Abdullah II, the reigning monarch of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, replied giving an address to students and faculty of the University of Oxford as well as diplomats and other invited guests.

He addressed the future of East-West relations in the context of the Middle East's current challenges, particularly regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He said: ‘It is moderation, not extremism, that opens the way to that future – through co-existence, cooperation, and all the benefits they entail. I believe this path is essential for my region. But to achieve it, we must work together – boldly, effectively – to create the strategic space for peace and progress to grow.

’While the conflict continues, people on both sides lose. It is time to help people win. For Palestinians, justice and a future, in an independent, sovereign, and viable state. For Israelis, recognition and security – a security that isolation, behind walls and military forces, can never bring.'

After the event at the Sheldonian Theatre King Abdullah II visited Pembroke College, where he received an Honorary Fellowship of the College.