OXFORD University was ‘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.

Pictures: Looking back at Prince Philip's visits to Oxfordshire

Chancellor, the Rt Hon the Lord Patten of Barnes paid tribute to the Prince.

He said: “His Royal Highness 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.

“The whole country has good reason to be grateful for his years of service.”

The Duke visited Oxford University on many occasions over the years, including in 1958 when he presented Royal Charters to St Edmund Hall and Nuffield College and in 1999 with the Queen when they attended the 750th anniversary of the endowment of University College.

He also visited in 2008 with the Queen again to mark Magdalen College’s 550th anniversary.

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Prince Philip was Senior Honorary Fellow of University College; the Visitor of St Catherine’s College and was an honorary member of St Edmund Hall Cricket Club.

Several Oxford alumni were presented with the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh award by the Duke, including Sir Julian Huxley, Max Nicholson, Norman Myers and Dr Alasdair Harris.

Many students and faculty have participated in the award scheme which equips and empowers young people to build skills and confidence.

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