A London university said it “remains very proud” of its association with Prince Philip despite a row breaking out over a member of staff apologising for using a photograph of him.
King’s College London said the Duke of Edinburgh had a “long and valued” association with the university and said he used his position to “make a huge contribution to British life”.
The university statement comes after a librarian apologised for emailing a photograph of the Duke of Edinburgh to colleagues because of his “history of racist and sexist comments”.
Joleen Clarke, associate director of the university’s libraries, had sent an image of Prince Philip opening its Maughan Library with the Queen in 2002, in a bulletin after his death in April.
But after criticism, including by members of an anti-racism group at the university, she apologised, writing: “We have come to realise the harm that this caused members of our community.”
The apology sparked a free speech row, with some MPs labelling it the latest example of “cancel culture” by woke activists on university campuses.
King’s College refused to comment on the row, but issued a statement saying: “Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, had a long and valued association with King’s, dating back to 1955 when he became a Life Governor of King’s College London. We valued immensely, and remain very proud, of his friendship and support for King’s.
“The Duke of Edinburgh used his position to make a huge contribution to British life.”
