In recognition of his distinguished services to the Empire as Governor-General of the Union of South Africa, and in testimony of the high esteem in which he is held by the Magistrates and Council and the Citizens.
"No city could be richer in historical associations than Edinburgh. Few cities carry the names of so many famous men who have risen to fame in so many walks of life. Sir, your noble city is linked up by many ties to South Africa. Apart from the large group of Scotsmen who have made their homes there, the University of Edinburgh is responsible for many well-known South Africans, and it was a real joy to me to find myself coupled with my friend, Mr. Patrick Duncan, who has been a minister of the Crown in South Africa, when his alma mater thought fit to pay him the same compliment, and conferred upon him the same degree as that given to me."