The Duke of Edinburgh’s old Scottish boarding school has paid tribute to him along with other Scottish organisations who received his support and patronage.
Gordonstoun educated three generations of the royal family — including the duke, who joined at the age of 13.
The £40,000 per year school in Moray was founded in 1934 by Kurt Hahn, a Jewish exile who fled Nazi Germany and became an inspiring mentor for Prince Philip.
The duke was one of his first pupils and stayed for five years.
Lisa Kerr, principal of Gordonstoun, said the duke “had an immensely strong character, combined with a unique sense of fun, infectious optimism and strong sense of duty”.
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She said: “More than anything, he understood and was hugely supportive of Gordonstoun’s educational ethos, of not only fulfilling academic potential but also of developing life skills through experiences outside the classroom including sailing and community service.
“We are immensely grateful for his support over the years and his presence and support in the school’s life will be sorely missed.”
Princes Charles, Andrew and Edward as well as Princess Anne’s children Zara and Peter were also educated at Gordonstoun.
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSE) circulated a speech given by the duke when he was made patron and an honorary fellow in 1955, praising the “craftsmanship” of surgeons who would go on to serve him well in his later years.
Treatment for a blocked artery in 2011 extended his life by a decade. Another heart operation in March was apparently successful but the duke did not live to see his 100th birthday in June.
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In 1955, the duke told the RCSE: “In these days when everything is either raised or reduced to a science, which really means that the human element is removed as much as possible, it is refreshing to find the word ‘craft’ applied to something so august as surgery . . . If anyone is going to tinker about with my insides I would rather he were an accomplished craftsman than an experimental scientist.”
Professor Michael Griffin, the president of the RCSE , said the duke “played a very significant part in the college’s history during his 66 years as patron.
“His engagement with fellows and officers of the [college] at the opening of the building was quite extraordinary.”
Peter Mathieson, principal of Edinburgh University, where the duke was chancellor from 1953 to 2010, said: “He was a tireless champion of our institution and we are profoundly grateful for the support that he generously gave us for over half a century. He oversaw the development and growth of the university and gave invaluable support to students, staff and senior officials.
“His passionate belief in the positive benefits of education, as well as an innate inquisitiveness in scientific development was evident during his time as chancellor.”
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David Field, chief executive of The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said the duke “was a pioneer for nature conservation and an immense supporter of wildlife and the environment throughout his life”.
He said: “It was an honour for our charity to welcome him to Edinburgh Zoo in 2011 to see our giant panda exhibit before Yang Guang and Tian Tian arrived. His passion for animals and protecting their habitats was evident to all.”
Frank Ross, the lord provost of Edinburgh, the Queen’s royal representative in the city, said the duke had shown “great appreciation for this city and its people.
“During his countless visits to the capital as Duke of Edinburgh, he regularly reached out to veterans and serving personnel and thousands of our children and students, both through the Duke of Edinburgh Award and his longstanding links with our universities. As patron of so many Edinburgh-based charities, he won a special place in the hearts of Scottish people.”
