The chancellor is the titular head of the University of Edinburgh. Their duties include conferring degrees, promoting the university's image throughout the world, and furthering its interests, both within Scotland and beyond.
The position was created in 1858; prior to this the university was governed by the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Town Council of Edinburgh. Candidates for the position are nominated and elected by alumni.[1]
The current chancellor is The Princess Royal.
- ^ Edinburgh University Library: PARQs: U to Z. Lib.ed.ac.uk. Retrieved 14 June 2013.