Following the death of Prince Philip, MM remembers the role he played in education in Greater Manchester.
In 1967, after taking a keen interest, Prince Philip became the first chancellor of the University of Salford.
During his time in this position Prince Philip visited the university multiple times.
It was on this campus Prince Philip met and talked to students who were disappointed in the representation on the University Senate in 1968 and where he held conversation with a group of students staging an anti-apartheid demonstration in 1973.
Prince Philip continued a lasting affiliation with the university long after his role as Chancellor came to an end.
In 2012, a crowd displaying posies and flags gathered outside Media City in Salford Quays as the Prince arrived to open Salford University’s new campus within the new media hub.
Discussing the Prince’s role within the University of Salford, Professor Andy Miah, Chair of Science Communications and Future Media at the University, said in 2017: “What comes across to me was that, while figures like the Duke of Edinburgh have countless patronages and public roles, it felt like he truly cared about his contribution to our University.
“Salford was a place he could talk about with strong recollections and a sense of purpose about what the university could do.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Duke of Edinburgh was also a patron of both the Salford and Manchester student unions’ RAG (Raise and Give) Appeals.
Both student bodies raise funds for local, national and international charities through fundraising, challenges and events.
Last year, the University of Manchester’s RAG appeal raised over £75,000.
Prince Philip’s passion for education nationwide was seen late last year when he made a rare official statement on the royal family’s official Twitter account that paid tribute to teachers’ efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He wrote: “I commend all teachers and school staff for your professional and resolute commitment throughout the past year to teaching our children and young people in the most challenging conditions.
“As Patron of the Chartered College of Teaching, I wish to thank you all for your selfless dedication and send you my best wishes for a well-deserved break over Christmas and the New Year.”
Main image courtesy of The University of Salford Archives and Special Collections.
