Hertfordshire Spectra Building’s Royal Opening

The Lord-Lieutenant Robert Voss CBE CStJ was proud and honoured to welcome HRH Princess Anne to the University of Hertfordshire to formally open the spectacular SPECTRA Building, the new home of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science. The Princess Royal toured our state-of-the-art laboratories, explored the immersive learning environments and saw firsthand the pioneering research taking place across the school.

The visit on 25 November 2025 follows a long tradition of significant buildings at the university being opened by members of the Royal Family. The Princess was totally engaged with every department she visited and thoroughly enjoyed her visit. We discussed the last royal opening by Her late father, Prince Philip, who opened the Science Building in 2016.

The visit concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque marking this exciting new chapter for Herts.

Robert Voss said, “Anyone who has not yet done so should visit this wonderful building.”