In pictures: Duke of Edinburgh celebrates art and sport during Cambridge visit
The Duke Edinburgh enjoyed a display of contemporary art before watching a game of real tennis during a visit to Cambridge.
His Royal Highness was received at Cambridge Airport by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence, before travelling to Murray Edwards College for a day celebrating the arts, education and sport.
Prince Edward was welcomed by Dr Rachel Polonsky, acting president of the college and chair of the art committee, and the visit began with a private tour of the Women’s Art Collection, a collection of modern and contemporary art by women and the largest of its kind in Europe.
Dr Polonsky said: “This place of learning is governed under a Royal Charter granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
“At the start of this academic year, in which we mark the 60th anniversary of our wonderful buildings and the 40th anniversary of the Women's Art Collection, it was a special privilege to welcome His Royal Highness.”
The duke, an alumnus of the University of Cambridge, was introduced to a civic line-up including Cllr Peter McDonald, chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, Cllr Dinah Pounds, mayor of Cambridge, and Paul Bristow, mayor of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
He went on to meet senior members of the university and college, including Prof Deborah Prentice, vice-chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Prof Miranda Griffin, vice-president of Murray Edwards College, and Dr Victoria Harvey, senior tutor, Murray Edwards College, and president of the Cambridge University Real Tennis Club.
The Women’s Art Collection is open to the public and is free to visit.
After viewing the collection, a reception was held in the fellows’ dining room, where the duke met college fellows and students who have taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Dr Polonsky offered a formal welcome before inviting His Royal Highness to sign the visitors’ book.
In the afternoon, the duke travelled to the Cambridge University Real Tennis Club (CURTC) in his role as patron of the Tennis & Rackets Association (T&RA), to officially launch the inaugural National Real Tennis Open Event, a new nationwide initiative designed to introduce the historic sport to a new generation.
On arrival, the duke was greeted by Dr Victoria Harvey, Murray Edwards senior tutor, and president of CURTC.
Dr Harvey said: “I am delighted that His Royal Highness came to officially launch this important national initiative at the Cambridge University Real Tennis Club.
“The Duke of Edinburgh has a long history with our club and his continued support of real tennis means a great deal to our local community of players, as much as it does to the wider world of tennis and rackets.”
Other representatives from the T&RA included chairman Richard Compton-Burnett, CEO Chris Davies, and national event co-ordinator Nick Brodie.
Prince Edward met players, students and professionals involved in the event, and watched the opening match of the tournament from the gallery before joining others on court for some Real Tennis skill challenges.
Upstairs in the Club Room, the duke met university sports officials and sponsors, and joined a buffet lunch with players and alumni participating in the event.
The visit last Thursday (2 October) celebrated the enduring traditions of real tennis – a sport once played by kings – while also highlighting the sport’s potential to grow and attract a new, younger audience.
Real tennis is played indoors on a court with four irregularly-sized walls and roof areas using pear-shaped lopsided rackets. The balls used are much harder than those used in lawn tennis.