Death of the Duke of Edinburgh

Friday 9 April 2021
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip greet academics at College Hall during a Royal visit in June 1955

Principal Professor Sally Mapstone has written to all staff and students following the announcement of the death of HRH The Prince Philip.

Dear Colleagues and Students

As you may already know, the death has been announced today (Friday 9 April) of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

The Duke died peacefully at Windsor Castle at the age of 99.

As a prominent Scottish and British institution, the University of St Andrews is expected to follow a mourning protocol on the announcement of the death of a senior member of the Royal Family.

I am required to inform you that I have initiated that protocol, and instructed that any flags flying in St Andrews should be lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.

Letters of condolence will be prepared for Her Majesty The Queen, and for our alumni, Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Work and study should continue as normal. I will write to you again about any further steps the University may take to mark the death, and when details of the Duke’s funeral are announced.

Sally Mapstone
Principal and Vice-Chancellor


Published by the University Communications Office.

Category Message from the Principal

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