Master of St John’s pays tribute to Prince Philip
"We remember a man who was far-sighted and constant in his commitment to young people and who championed science, engineering and technology"
His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has died aged 99, Buckingham Palace announced today (9 April 2021).
Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II's husband and consort, died at home at Windsor Castle.
Prince Philip was Chancellor of the University of Cambridge for 35 years, from December 1976 to June 2011. He would visit Cambridge several times a year, and always found time to talk to students and researchers, as well as discussing University business with the Vice-Chancellor.
His Royal Highness was a particularly strong supporter of engineering, visiting the University’s Department of Engineering regularly both before and during his time as Chancellor.
Heather Hancock, Master of St John’s College, said: “On behalf of the Fellowship of St John’s, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Her Majesty The Queen and to the Royal Family on the death of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh.
“We remember a man who was far-sighted and constant in his commitment to young people and to the environment, who championed science, engineering and technology, and who gave decades of active support to our University. The Union flag is flying at half-mast as we mourn his death.”
St John's was honoured to receive a visit from The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh on Wednesday 27 April 2011 in celebration of the College’s 500th birthday.
With the Royal Standard flying over the College, The Queen visited the newly restored foundations of the original medieval chapel and unveiled a commemorative plaque. The royal party also listened to a performance by St John's College Choir before attending lunch with Fellows and students in the Combination Room.
In the afternoon, The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh joined more than thousand students, Fellows and members of staff for a Garden Party on the College Backs.
A full tribute to Prince Philip can be read on the University’s website.
Published: 9/4/2021