Who we are

The Royal Anniversary Trust is a charity that celebrates and champions the outstanding work of universities and colleges across the four nations of the United Kingdom.

Our Work

Universities and colleges throughout the UK do outstanding work year after year. All of it has impact well beyond their doors – with benefits to local communities, education, the UK economy and the wider world. The Royal Anniversary Trust is an independent charity that celebrates and champions the best of the best in universities and colleges across the four nations of the United Kingdom. Through programmes including the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education (formerly Queen’s Anniversary Prizes), part of the national honours system, and the Royal Challenges which convene the brightest academic minds to work on research projects addressing current critical issues, the Trust recognises excellence, innovation and the positive social impact of tertiary education in the UK and around the world.

Our History

Founded in 1990, the Royal Anniversary Trust was originally established to lead a national programme of celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne in 1992. The themes of education and community were at the heart of these activities. Her late Majesty was a passionate believer in the power of education to help realise human potential and solve the world’s many problems and did all she could to promote, support and protect it.

Following the success of these events, the creation of the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education was announced in Parliament in 1993 by then Prime Minister, Sir John Major, with Queen Elizabeth II’s consent and with all-party support. The Prizes are part of the UK national honours system and are unique in recognising the institution as a whole rather than the work of individuals. In October 2024 the name of the Prizes scheme changed to the Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education.

"Success brings its own reward, but it is right that particular excellence should receive particular recognition."

– Sir John Major, announcing the creation of the Prizes scheme

First awarded in 1994, the Prizes are granted every two years by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister following a rigorous, independent process of review managed by the Royal Anniversary Trust. The Prizes are presented by a senior member of the Royal Family at an investiture ceremony traditionally held in Buckingham Palace.