The University of Oxford has released a statement on the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

The statement reads: “The University of Oxford is deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh. The University was honoured by a close relationship with the Duke, who visited on many occasions over the last six decades and held several honorary positions”.

Prince Philip held several positions within the University, including Royal Visitor of St Catherine’s College and Senior Honorary Fellow of University College. He was also an honorary member of St Edmund Hall Cricket Club and a Patron of the Oxford and Cambridge Club.

The University also notes Prince Philip presented Royal Charters to St Edmund Hall and Nuffield College in 1958. He also accompanied the Queen to lay the foundation stone of St Catherine’s College in 1960.

The Chancellor, Lord Patten, has said: “His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was a magnificent consort for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and a great public servant in many different sectors of our national life.  He was Chancellor of Cambridge University for over 30 years and I had the privilege of occasionally working with him during that period while he was doing an important job with high intelligence and an enormous commitment to higher education and research”.

All flags on council buildings in Oxford will fly at half-mast for the period of national mourning preceding the funeral. It is believed that due to pandemic restrictions the Duke of Edinburgh will be laid to rest in a private funeral.

Christ Church has tolled the Great Tom Bell and is flying the Union Flag at half-mast to mark the Duke’s passing. The Union Flag is also being flown at half-mast at Magdalen College, New College, and Pembroke College, while Oriel College is flying its college banner at half-mast.

St Edmund Hall has tweeted that they are “deeply saddened to hear about the passing of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. We were very proud to welcome Prince Philip to present Teddy Hall’s Royal Charter in 1958”.

The University Church has said they will offer prayers for Prince Philip at their services on Sunday.

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