Queen Silvia of Sweden
Honorary doctorate awarded in Scotland
Queen Silvia of Sweden has reason to smile: she received an honorary doctorate in Scotland on June 28th.
© Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock.com
Silvia of Sweden has been awarded an honorary doctorate in Scotland. This was in recognition of her dedication to helping people with dementia.
Silvia’s foundation supports university research projects
The University of Stirling shared on their website announced that the Queen was honored for “her outstanding service in the fight against dementia”. She received her honorary doctorate in front of 2251 graduates from the faculties of social sciences, natural sciences and the Stirling Management School. Former Mars CEO Grand Ried was also honored.
King Carl Gustaf’s (77) wife has long been committed to caring for people with dementia. In 1996 she established the Silviahemmet Foundation. Its goal is to promote caring, dignified care for people with dementia. Training programs are available for medical staff and others involved in caring for people with dementia and their families. Silvia’s foundation is currently supporting a major research project led by experts from the University of Stirling: The aim is to develop housing innovations that can better support people with cognitive disorders.
Personal experiences brought the Queen to the subject of dementia
Queen Silvia shared on stage why she set up the foundation: “When my mother spent her final years with dementia, I realized how important it is to have the support of qualified and experienced carers.” She is “particularly grateful” for the cooperation with the university in order to improve the chances of a longer life and a higher quality of life for those affected. She also expressed her “heartfelt thanks” for the honorary doctorate. The royal house published on his Instagram page two pictures from the award ceremony. You can see how Silvia’s hat is put on.
Following the ceremony, the Queen visited Maggie’s Forth Valley with Judith Phillips, Professor of Gerontology and Deputy Principal of the University. The University is collaborating with Silviahemmet to explore how his cancer support model can be applied to people with dementia and their families.