A historian and author has described being awarded an honorary doctorate as "one of the most special days" of her life.
Dr Alison Weir was recognised by the University of Suffolk during a graduation ceremony on Tuesday morning on Ipswich waterfront for her outstanding writing career, which includes more than 40 books and over three million copies sold worldwide.
Dr Weir said: "I never dreamed I would be so honoured, so this is, for me, one of the most special days of my life.
"I do feel something of a fraud to be honoured for indulging my life's passion, which is history.
"I've been incredibly fortunate to become a published author, and to be able to share that passion and the fruits of my research with others."
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As the UK’s top-selling female historian, Dr Weir is known for both her historical fiction and non-fiction, with much of her work focused on the Tudor period.
Her six-part fiction series about the wives of King Henry VIII.
In 2025, she released a novel on Ipswich born Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, titled The Cardinal: The Secret Life of Thomas Wolsey.
Dr Weir said: "I did lots of research on Ipswich for Wolsey's childhood and young life.
"I always felt, though I don't know it well, but a lot is still there today that you could still place him here."
She described Cardinal Wolsey as "much maligned" and deserving of greater recognition, believing he "represents the old order" alongside figures like Thomas Cromwell and Thomas More.
Beyond writing, Dr Weir runs Alison Weir Tours, which offers high-end historical tours.
She hinted at the possibility of a future tour in Ipswich.
Dr Weir discovered her love of storytelling as a teenager through libraries and encouraged new writers to persevere.
Her advice to graduating students was to "never give up and remember that the only thing between you and the top of the ladder is the ladder."
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