Prince Philip opens library

Apr 20, 2010, 12:43 GMT

Britain's Prince Philip opened a library at Cambridge University yesterday (19.04.10).

The Duke of Edinburgh - who is Chancellor of the prestigious educational establishment - unveiled a new library and IT suite at Fitzwilliam College but ended up frustrating students who weren't allowed to use the facilities while he was there, and were continually given bag searches and ID checks.

One agitated first year student told Varsity, the independent Cambridge student newspaper, that it was an inappropriate time for a royal visit.

He said: "I have been asked to show my Student ID at least three times today and I wasn't allowed to enter the library whilst the ceremony was going on. Whilst I appreciate this is an important event, it is exam time, and I think the whole thing has been quite disruptive for people who wanted to use the Monday before term starts to revise."

Despite the upheaval, senior tutor Paul Chirico maintained that the college "did not wish to disrupt students' studies" and that they wanted the duke to see Fitzwilliam in a "near-natural state".

The Master of Fitzwilliam, Robert Lethbridge, also thanked the prince for his continued support.

He said: "It was a fitting tribute to a project that has been almost eight years in the running."

Following the opening of the £5 million building, which was designed by Edward Cullinan Architects, the 88-year-old royal was taken on a tour of the grounds.