Burmese democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi said her return to Oxford had seen "many strands" of her life come together.

The Sheldonian Theatre was packed today as Ms Suu Kyi was given an honorary doctorate in civil law, which was originally awarded by Oxford University in 1993.

Ms Suu Kyi arrived back in Oxford yesterday after a 24-year absence and met family and friends at a private party at St Hugh’s College last night.

In 1988 she left her husband Michael Aris and two sons Alexander and Kim to return to Burma to care for her sick mother.

Shortly afterwards, she began to campaign for democracy and was placed under house arrest.

A crowd of about 500 people gathered in Catte Street this morning to welcome the democracy leader to the Oxford ceremony.

Soe Naing, 40 and wife Nwe, originally from Burma, travelled from London to greet Ms Suu Kyi. Mr Naing said: “I want to see her become president of my country.”

Ms Suu Kyi was one of eight distinguished figures getting an honorary degree and is about to receive the freedom of the city of Oxford from Lord Mayor Alan Armitage at St Hugh’s College.

The democracy leader said: “Today many strands of my life have come together.”

She said these included the years “I spent as a student at St Hugh’s, the years I spent at Park Town as a wife and mother, and the years under house arrest.”

She added that during her time under house arrest she was “held up” by her memories of Oxford.