Musician Aretha Franklin acknowledging the applause as she receives an honorary Doctor of Arts degree during the 363rd Commencement Exercises at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Also pictured is fellow honorary degree recipient author Isabel Allende. Photo: Brian Snyder/ReutersMusician Aretha Franklin acknowledging the applause as she receives an honorary Doctor of Arts degree during the 363rd Commencement Exercises at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Also pictured is fellow honorary degree recipient author Isabel Allende. Photo: Brian Snyder/Reuters

A former US president and the ‘Queen of Soul’ have received honorary degrees from Harvard University.

George H.W. Bush, Aretha Franklin and six others were honoured at Thursday’s commencement ceremony.

Harvard president Drew Faust poked fun at 89-year-old Bush’s Yale University credentials, saying his “cap was blue, his house was white and now his robe is crimson”, but added that the former leader “piloted our nation though changeful skies”.

Bush smiled and gestured to the crowd as he received the Doctor of Laws degree, but did not stand.

Franklin, 72, accompanied herself on the piano to perform the national anthem. She later received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree.

Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg also received an honorary degree.

Harvard awarded more than 7,300 degrees and certificates at its 363rd commencement.

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