Charles I
Charles I took an interest in the two universities of Aberdeen, King’s College and Marischal when his physician, William Harvey was made an Honorary Burgess of the City of Aberdeen in 1641. Charles I united the colleges into the Caroline University with William Guild elected rector. However when Charles II came to the throne, the union of the universities was annulled. Marischal felt it had not been on an equal footing with Kings. It was not until 1860 that the fusion of the universities occurred.
Physician to Charles II
Sir Alexander Fraser was born around 1610 and educated in Aberdeen. His family owned land at Durris. After obtaining a medical degree in Leiden he returned to London and became a favourite at court. He escaped to the Hague after the execution of Charles I and remained with the Prince who later became Charles II. He treated many members of the royal family though not always successfully. He extolled the air of Durris as being as good as any in England for health.
George III and Queen Victoria
William Harvey’s portrait was given to the Medico-Chirurgical Society by Sir Walter Farquhar, MD from King’s College in 1796 to encourage young Aberdeen students. Sir Walter attended George III during the King’s mental illness. Other Aberdeen graduates became royal physicians especially when Queen Victoria began the connection with Balmoral and royalty.
Prince Albert, later King George VI
Prince Albert (“Bertie”) was treated by Sir James Reid and Sir John Marnoch when he developed appendicitis en route to Scappa Flow, three weeks into World War 1.
Recent years
HRH Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Diana, Princess of Wales have opened new blocks in Foresterhill. Members of the royal family have been treated at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, the nearest hospital to Balmoral.
