Campbell Orr, Reader in Enlightenment, Gender and Court Studies at Anglia Ruskin, follows historian David Starkey and most recently Simon Thurley CBE, the Chief Executive of English Heritage, in the role.
From the Pharaohs until the twentieth century royal courts dominated politics, society and the arts, and The Society for Court Studies was founded to promote the study and understanding of courts across the world. Its activities range from the fields of political, social, architectural and art history to musicology, literary criticism and gender studies.
“They wanted someone in full-time academic life as they felt it would be useful to bring together the different disciplines,” said Campbell Orr.
“The Society for Court Studies has members ranging from social and cultural historians to people who specialise in the material culture of the past, such as buildings and costumes.
“As well as the UK, we also have many members from continental Europe and the United States. In the US there are academics focusing on the White House, and in many ways this is their court with the Presidents having their entourages and inner circles.”
Campbell Orr’s appointment is particularly timely, with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June set to put the monarchy firmly in the spotlight. She added: “It’s going to be fascinating reflecting on the last 60 years, not least because so much has changed during her reign.
“There’s obviously going to be a great deal of media coverage of the royal family, but I think that’s important because if they are being supported through the public purse then the public wants to see how that money is being spent.
“The royal family certainly have a better rapport with the British public than 10 years ago. Of course their involvement in this summer’s Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, as well as last year’s royal wedding, help their public profile, but I think the Queen is already held in great affection by the majority of the population. During the Jubilee, the spotlight on her role and sense of duty is likely to increase this.”
Campbell Orr will be amongst the academics taking part in The Making of Monarchy for the Modern World conference from 6-8 June. The event will be held at Kensington Palace to mark its reopening following refurbishment www.hrp.org.uk/monarchyconference
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For more press information please contact:
Jon Green on t: 0845 196 4717, e: jon.green@anglia.ac.uk
Andrea Hilliard on t: 0845 196 4727, e: andrea.hilliard@anglia.ac.uk