St Benedict's Patron Lord Patten Honoured By Japanese Government
We are delighted to share that alumnus and Patron of St Benedict's School, Lord Patten, has been awarded The Grand Cordon of The Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government.
The Embassy of Japan in the UK recently shared the news, honouring Lord Patten:
Image credit: Embassy of Japan
On 30 January, Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki bestowed upon Lord Christopher Francis Patten The Grand Cordon of The Order of the Rising Sun at a ceremony held at the Ambassador's residence.
As Governor-General of Hong Kong (1992-1997), Lord Patten was instrumental in strengthening relations between Japan and Hong Kong and between Japan and the UK, and as European Commissioner (1999-2004), he contributed to the development of a strategic partnership between the EU and Japan.
Furthermore, during his tenure as Chancellor of the University of Oxford (2003-2024), he played an important part in the promotion of academic, personal and cultural exchange between Japan and the UK, including the development of Japanese Studies centred on the Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies. In particular, during the visit of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress to the UK last year, he welcomed them to the University of Oxford, at which time the University awarded the Empress an honorary doctorate.
In addition, he was instrumental in the establishment and development of Japan House London from before its opening in 2015 until last year, and has been the International Advisor to the Praemium Imperiale, a world-class arts prize, since 2009.
At the ceremony, Ambassador Suzuki expressed his respect and gratitude to Lord Patten for his contribution to the strengthening of bilateral relations and friendship between Japan and the UK over many years.
Lord Patten expressed his pleasure at the continuation and development of good relations between Japan and the UK, and thanked those who have supported him throughout his career.
The Order of the Rising Sun is a Japanese order awarded to people who have rendered distinguished service to the state in various fields, except military service, and is the third-highest order bestowed by the Japanese government.
We congratulate Lord Patten on receiving this highly esteemed honour.