University’s first chancellor dies aged 88

Lord Harewood, the University of York’s first chancellor, has passed away at his family home in Leeds on Monday morning, aged 88.

Born George Henry Hubert Lascelles in 1923, Lord Harewood was a first cousin of the Queen and the eldest nephew of King George VI. At the time of his birth he was sixth in line to the British throne. At his death, he was 46th.

He served as Chancellor of York University from 1962 to 1967. In his time in the post he oversaw the opening of the University in the autumn of 1963, when the first 200 students were admitted. He also supervised the construction of the Heslington West campus, and throughout the 1960s presided over the University’s opening graduation ceremonies, until his chancellorship ended after his divorce was criticised by members of the University Council.

Later in his life, Lord Harewood also made large donations to the University, one of which was a unique collection of broadcast recordings of the 20^th century’s leading classical performers, including performances of Strauss’s Elektra, conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham, and a recording of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult. His contacts in the music industry also brought major benefactors for the purchase of instruments and performance space at the University.

Lord Harewood’s main passion was in music – particularly opera, to which he devoted most of his career. He served as an editor of Opera magazine from 1950 to 1953, as director of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden from 1951 to 1953 and again from 1969 to 1972 and as chairman of the board of the English National Opera (ENO) from 1986 to 1995, as well as holding a number of other positions within the ENO.

He was also passionate about football. Lascelles held the position of President at Leeds United Football Club, and was approaching his 50^th anniversary in the post before his death. Leeds United will hold a one-minute silence before their opening pre-season game against Falkirk this evening, and all players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect. He was also president of the Football Association from 1963 to 1972, overseeing England’s only World Cup win in 1966, and was an FA Honorary Vice-President until his death.

Leeds United Chairman Ken Bates said: “Although he was royalty, he always treated me as an equal and I feel like I have lost a true friend. Leeds United has also lost a great friend and the greatest tribute this club could give him is by being promoted this season.” Former Leeds and York City midfielder Peter Lorimer said of Lord Harewood: “I can’t speak highly enough of the man, he was a lovely person.” Opera critic Rupert Christiansen described Lascelles as “a man who combined intense aesthetic sensibility with practicality and erudition. As someone who changed the face of post-war culture in Britain entirely for the better, his memory should be honoured.”

University Vice-Chancellor Brian Cantor said in a statement: “Lord Harewood continued to be one of our most devoted friends and supporters and he will be much missed.”