Sir David Attenborough highlighted the importance of University’s status as a University of Sanctuary last month when he visited, as well as his affection for Leicester.

“It is a proud boast that I have, that I was reared on this campus. It is a wonderful university, I feel it in my blood, and I am truly privileged to be here at this epoch-making event”, he said.

His address was followed by the unveiling of the Centenary Square dedication plaque with his nephew Michael Attenborough CBE.

The refugee issue is one he has spoken on before, indeed his family adopted two Jewish refugee girls from Europe during the second world war and he reportedly has a treasured collection of amber crystals, which began with a gift from Marianne, one of the girls, who came to live with the Attenborough family at their Leicestershire home in 1938.