Prince Andrew has expressed his admiration for the design of the New Building of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.

The Duke of York, who is the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, was greeted at the Centre in Marston Road, Oxford, on Monday, by the Centre's Director, Dr Farhan Nizami.

He viewed an exhibition of the Centre's work over the last decade and enjoyed a tour of the new building, which is scheduled for competion next year, taking in the site of the Prince of Wales garden, which is being personally designed and overseen by is brother, Prince Charles.

Dr David Browning, Registrar of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies said: "The Duke of York expressed his admiration for the design and quality of the Centre's new building. He wished the Centre well in creating a global meeting point for dialogue, and for promoting partnership and mutual understanding between cultures and peoples in the Islamic world and the West."

The Duke of York also visited the Said Business School in Park End Street, Oxford.