[1] Under the statutes of the college, Honorary Fellows cannot vote at meetings of the Governing Body and do not receive financial reward.
Some of those without previous connections were distinguished Welshmen – Jesus College has had strong links with Wales since its establishment in 1571.
The Welsh politician David Lloyd George was elected to an Honorary Fellowship in 1910 when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer.
As a Welshman, I have watched with pleasure and pride the prosperity, especially since you have been Principal, of the college which is so closely connected with our country, little thinking ever to find myself a member of it; and I can honestly say that no honour can fall to my lot which I shall prize more highly than this Fellowship which you have conferred upon me.
The first woman to be elected as an Honorary Fellow was the journalist and broadcaster Francine Stock, an Old Member of the college, in 2007.