The new principal and vice-chancellor of one of Scotland’s oldest universities will be formally installed at a ceremony attended by the Duchess of Cornwall.

Professor George Boyne took up the position at the University of Aberdeen in August and will be officially installed in the role on Wednesday.

Around 500 guests, including university alumni, staff and students, as well as senior figures from other universities, will attend the ceremony at Elphinstone Hall.

Professor George Boyne
Professor George Boyne is being formally installed as principal and vice-chancellor (University of Aberdeen/PA)

Camilla, in her role as chancellor of the university, is presiding over the occasion, which resembles a graduation ceremony.

The royal will also hand an honorary degree to Edward Stevenson, who worked in the university’s biomedical physics department for more than four decades and supported the team that created the world’s first clinical MRI scanner.

The event forms part of a programme of engagements for Camilla – known as the Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland – at the university on Wednesday.

She is also due to meet guests at a marquee lunch before heading to another engagement at the university’s health campus.

The duchess will talk to researchers who focus on women’s health during her visit to the Institute of Medical Sciences.