THE EARL of Harewood has received an honorary doctorate for his work with the arts.

David Lascelles – a cousin of The Queen – is a film and television producer, whose work has included the TV series Inspector Morse.

He received his doctorate from Leeds Beckett University during a ceremony on Friday.

Speaking about the highlights of his career so far, David said: "Receiving this award means a lot to me.

"It was a big surprise to me and my family. I feel it is a long service award for being around long enough and doing enough things.

"I made some early documentaries about Tibet, a lot of mainstream television – Inspector Morse was a highlight – but, more recently, doing Carnival Messiah at Harewood was a huge undertaking, the first theatre I’d ever done as a producer."

He added: "The advice I would give to graduating students starting off in the arts is you’ve really got to know it’s what you want to do. It’s not an easy career option. Be prepared to take risks and work with people who are excited about it. Follow your heart and your instincts. You’ll make some mistakes but that’s how you’ll get to do some exciting things too."

First cousin once removed of The Queen and great grandson of King George V, David is a film producer of documentaries, television and cinema drama, including Inspector Morse, Moll Flanders, The Wisdom Of Crocodiles and Shakespeare’s Richard III starring Ian McKellen.

He produced Geraldine Connor’s Carnival Messiah (Handel’s Messiah performed Caribbean Carnival style) in 2007 at Harewood as part of the commemoration of the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire. Following her death, he helped set up the Geraldine Connor Foundation, which advances the development and education of individuals in arts and culture. The foundation helps develop professional and life skills, encouraging and nurturing new work and talent, and promoting equality, diversity, empowerment and inclusion in society through arts.

David has served on several cultural boards in Yorkshire, including Welcome to Yorkshire, Alchemy and the Yorkshire Film Archive. He chaired the steering group for the Yorkshire Festival last year for 100 days of cultural events in the lead-up to the Grand Depart of the Tour de France.

Leeds Beckett University vice-chancellor, Professor Susan Price, said: "David’s contribution to the arts is substantial and he is dedicated to sharing his passion with others.

"We are delighted to recognise David’s contribution with this honorary doctorate and welcome him to our Headingley campus to celebrate with us in honouring the achievements of our graduating students."