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Durham University Chancellor Dr Fiona Hill, the foreign policy expert and former adviser to three US presidents, has been awarded one of the City of London's oldest civic honours.
Dr Hill, who was born in Bishop Auckland has been granted the Freedom of the City of London and admitted to the Livery of the Haberdashers’ Company.
Dr Hill said: "My great-grandmother was a seamstress, and my mother and grandmother made many of our clothes, so haberdasheries and fabric shops were a big part of my childhood.
"My close friend and mentor Angela Stent, whose family emigrated from Nazi Germany, was educated at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls.
"The excellence of that education is reflected in her life and accomplishments.
"Growing up in North East England, visits to London were rare, special adventures.
"To be given the Freedom of the City is therefore a great honour."
The Haberdashers’ Company, one of the City’s ancient livery companies, is dedicated to supporting young people and communities through education and charitable work.
It brings together more than 1,000 members from diverse backgrounds who contribute time, expertise and resources to support schools, churches and charities across the UK.
Each year, the company distributes more than £4.5 million to help young people achieve their potential.
This includes not just financial support but also governance and direct engagement from Haberdashers’ members.
Sir William Russell, alderman and chair of the Barbican Centre, welcomed Dr Hill’s admission.
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He said: "I am absolutely delighted that Fiona is becoming a member of the Company, her knowledge, as well as her commitment and passion for supporting future generations to succeed, closely chime with the values of this ancient organisation. We are so proud to have her on board."
Dr Hill is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a respected authority on Russian and European geopolitics.
She was installed as the 13th chancellor of Durham University in June 2023.