Palatinates are awards given by Durham University to its athletes or former athletes who demonstrate the following qualities: 'Ability of a High Standard' (international representation), 'Service to a Club' and 'Attitude and Commitment'. It is similar to 'blues' awarded at many other British universities but with slightly different prerequisites. The award is called a 'Palatinate' rather than a 'Blue' because palatinate (a shade of purple) is the historical colour of the university. A different colour, palatinate blue, is the colour of County Durham.