Duke of York is new University of Huddersfield chancellor

The Duke of York has been named the next chancellor of the University of Huddersfield.

Prince Andrew will replace actor Sir Patrick Stewart when he steps down later this month.

It will be the first time that the duke has held the role of a university chancellor. He previously served as Huddersfield’s patron, a role he took on in 2013.

The university’s vice-chancellor Bob Cryan said it was “much more than a ceremonial appointment”.

“He has consistently taken an interest in the University of Huddersfield and the progress that we are making,” said Professor Cryan.

“When he visits us and talks to students who are launching businesses, his grasp of detail and his ability to get to the heart of an issue are always highly impressive,” he added.

Professor Cryan said that Prince Andrew had also shown a “real commitment to the development of entrepreneurial and digital skills among young people”.

Prince Andrew – who did not attend university himself – has been a regular visitor to Huddersfield, attending his last engagement there in March.

Professor Cryan has previously spoken warmly of Prince Andrew's work in the West Yorkshire town and defended him earlier this year over what he called “ridiculous” sex allegations made in US court papers.

Prince Andrew is the latest royal to take a top academic appointment. His younger brother, the Earl of Wessex, attracted controversy in 2013 when he was installed as chancellor at the University of Bath.

His sister, the Princess Royal, has been chancellor of the University of London since 1981, as well as chancellor at the University of Edinburgh.

jack.grove@tesglobal.com