University of Kent, Paris students were welcomed by Her Majesty’s Ambassador Sir Peter Ricketts, GCMG GCVO at his official Paris Residence for an evening reception to mark the start of term.
Sir Peter, who is an honorary graduate of the University, enjoyed meeting new MA students as well as staff.
Students were invited on a tour of the Residence, known officially as the Hôtel de Charost, built in the early eighteenth century and once the home of Napoléon Bonaparte’s sister Pauline Borghese. This stately urban mansion was purchased by the Duke of Wellington after Bonaparte’s fall from power, and has been the site of British diplomatic services ever since. The Hôtel de Charost is located just a few doors down from the Presidential Élysée Palace.
Kent guests were invited to tour elegant reception rooms downstairs, and were also offered a rare chance to visit the ambassador’s private study, the Duff Cooper Library, complete with trap door.
After the tour students were invited to a champagne reception hosted by the ambassador and his wife Lady Suzanne Ricketts.
Paris MA students were accompanied by Professor Peter Brown, Academic Director (Paris programmes), Professor Peter Read (SECL), Professor David Welch (History), Professor Catherine Waters (English), Dr Carine Fréville (English), and Dr Derek Ryan (English).