The University and city of Cambridge have come together in publishing tributes to the life of Prince Philip, whose death at the age of 99 was announced by Buckingham Palace this morning (09/04).

The Duke of Edinburgh was Chancellor of the University between 1977 and 2011, with his 30th anniversary in the role being celebrated in 2007, and is also an honorary fellow of Trinity College.

The University and Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner have both released statements responding to the news.

The University of Cambridge recalled details of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Chancellorship at the University, which lasted from 1976 to 2011, in their statement published this afternoon: “The Duke of Edinburgh brought to his role at Cambridge the same insight, energy, and practical good sense that characterised all his public and private work on behalf of the monarchy.”

As Chancellor, the Duke of Edinburgh’s main task was to conduct the annual honorary degree ceremony, but this “was only a small part of the Duke’s engagement with the University.” The University recalls the “several times” that His Royal Highness visited the University, adding that he “always found time to talk to students and researchers, as well as discussing University business with the Vice-Chancellor.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Toope said: “It is a great sadness to hear of the death of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip’s strong and deep relationship with Cambridge went back many decades, and his enthusiastic support of the University’s work, both as its Chancellor for 35 years and at other times in a personal capacity, was deeply appreciated here.”

Dame Alison Richard, who was Vice-Chancellor of the University from 2003 to 2010 and worked closely with the Duke whilst she was in the role, described him as “a Chancellor of vision and perspicacity,” and remembered his “insatiable, passionate interest in the work of the university.”

Meanwhile, Daniel Zeichner, the MP for Cambridge, has also responded to the news in a press release: “The Duke of Edinburgh has been a fixture in all of our lives for as long as we can remember and his passing is a sad day. He was sometimes a controversial figure but he was a colossal support to the Queen and the country will rightly be in mourning.”

Prince Philip was associated in particular with the University of Cambridge, but many others in Cambridge have offered condolences and reflections following the announcement of his death.

Several colleges at the University are flying their flags at half-mast today, including Corpus Christi, Jesus and Selwyn Colleges.

The Cambridge Labour Party, tweeted that members’ “thoughts are with Prince Philip’s family” and that “as a mark of respect, all our campaigning is suspended today”.

In a press release, the Mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Russ McPherson, and his wife “expressed their extreme sadness on learning of the death of Prince Philip”, describing the announcement as “a matter of great sorrow”.

McPherson continued: “On behalf of the residents of Cambridge, I extend our city’s condolences to Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and all members of the Royal Family.”

Meanwhile, Great St Mary’s tweeted that its members will be “praying for the nation, the royal family, and all who mourn”. The church is flying its flag at half-mast, and the church bell will toll at 6 pm this evening.

Trinity College has been contacted for comment.