Chris Patten, the EU Commissioner and the last Governor of Hong Kong, was being sworn in as the 294th Chancellor of Oxford University today.
Academics, wearing full regalia, were taking part in a procession through the city and a ceremony, during which Mr Patten was to give an oath in Latin, at the Sheldonian Theatre.
Mr Patten, 58, was then due to carry out his first official duty as Chancellor --presenting opera singer Placido Domingo with an honorary music degree.
In March, Mr Patten beat Lord Bingham of Cornhill, Lord Neill of Bladen and comedian Sandi Toksvig to succeed the late Lord Jenkins of Hillhead, who died in January.
He said it was a profound honour to be elected.
The post is unpaid and held for life.
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