In 2006, the two eldest Attenborough brothers returned to their home city to receive the title of Distinguished Honorary Fellows of the University of Leicester, "in recognition of a record of continuing distinguished service to the University." David Attenborough was previously awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the university in 1970, and was made an honorary Freeman of the City of Leicester in 1990. In 2013, he was made an Honorary Freeman of the City of Bristol. In 2010, he was awarded Honorary Doctorates from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Nottingham Trent University.
IN 2006, thE two elDest attEnbOrouGh brothers returNed tO tHEIr hOme CitY to ReceivE the titLe oF distiNgUIsHed honorarY felloWS oF The UnIVErSity oF leicestER, "In REcOGNitiOn of A reCorD of CoNtiNUiNg distInguiShed serVICe tO The UniVeRsitY." davId AttenBOrough was prEViously awARded an HonOraRy DoctOR of lettErs DEgreE BY the unIverSitY IN 1970, AnD WAS maDe An HonorarY FReeMAn of the city of leiceStEr in 1990. in 2013, he Was mAdE AN honorary freemAn of tHe city of briSTOl. in 2010, He was aWArdEd hoNOraRy DOCToraTeS FroM NeLSOn mANdela metrOpOliTAn unIVErSIty anD NoTTInGHaM TrEnt uniVeRSitY.