Alfie Boe receives Fellowship of Royal College of Music from Prince Charles

15 May 2013, 11:00 | Updated: 15 May 2013, 15:19

HRH Prince Charles visited the RCM to bestow the honour, as he celebrates 20 years as President of the prestigious music conservatory.

Alfie Boe was among the stars from the world of classical music to receive honours from HRH The Prince of Wales at the Royal College of Music this morning. After studying for his degree at the RCM, the singer has now been granted a Fellowship of the college.

“It seems like a lifetime ago since I studied at the Royal College of Music," said Alfie on receiving the Fellowship. "My musical career has developed though a number of evolutions where I have worked to break down the barriers between musical genres and so now, I am deeply honoured to receive the Fellowship of the Royal College of Music.”

Conductor Christopher Hogwood, guitarist Gary Ryan, percussionist David Hockings, composer Rachel Leach, conductor Jaime Martin, Principal of Guildhall School of Music & Drama Barry Ife and Director of The Philharmonia David Whelton, also received honours, alongside students from the college who have made an exceptional contribution to the college's musical life.

HRH The Prince of Wales celebrated his 20th year as President of The Royal College of Music by presenting a new honour, The President's Award, to percussionist Ruairi Glasheen, who has been mentoring children from schools as part of the RCM's community music programme. The children, who play as part of the Sparks Juniors group, gave a special performance for Prince Charles as part of the celebrations.