�鶹Ƶ��

�鶹Ƶ�� was honoured to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT GCVO on Thursday 2 October as part of a special day of engagements in Cambridge celebrating the arts, education, and sport. The visit began with a private tour of The Women’s Art Collection - one of the world’s most significant collections of modern and contemporary art by women and the largest of its kind in Europe. Set against the backdrop of the College’s unique architecture, the visit marked a proud moment for the College community and the broader celebration of women's contributions to the arts and academia.

His Royal Highness was received at Cambridge Airport by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Mrs Julie Spence OBE, before proceeding to Murray Edwards, where he was welcomed by Dr Rachel Polonsky, Acting President of the College and Chair of the Art Committee. Rachel 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 is a special privilege to welcome His Royal Highness."

The Duke was introduced to a civic line-up including Councillor McDonald, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council; Councillor Dinah Pounds, Mayor of Cambridge; and Mr Paul Bristow, Mayor of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, before meeting senior members of the University and College, including Professor Deborah Prentice (Vice-Chancellor, University of Cambridge), Professor Miranda Griffin (Vice-President, �鶹Ƶ��), and Dr Victoria Harvey (Senior Tutor, �鶹Ƶ�� and President of the Cambridge University Real Tennis Club).

During the visit, His Royal Highness was guided through the Art Collection by curator Mrs Harriet Loffler and viewed works by leading artists in a collection that champions women's perspectives in visual art. A reception followed 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 The Duke 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, CURTC. Victoria 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 Mr Richard Compton-Burnett (Chairman), Mr Chris Davies (CEO), and Mr Nick Brodie (National Event Coordinator).

During the afternoon, his Royal Highness met players, students, and professionals involved in the event, and watched the opening match of the tournament from the gallery before changing into tennis kit to take part in a lively doubles match on court.

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 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.

The inaugural National Real Tennis Open Event continues until Sunday 5 October 2025, bringing together all 24 UK real tennis clubs to host open days, exhibition matches and introductory sessions for newcomers.

�鶹Ƶ�� the Women’s Art Collection

 is a collection of modern and contemporary art by women at �鶹Ƶ��.

The largest of its kind in Europe, the Collection is on display across the iconic College, designed by Chamberlin, Bon and Powell in 1962 as a manifesto for women’s education.

The Collection was founded in 1986 with the acquisition of Mary Kelly’s six-part work  and has evolved through gifts and loans from artists and alumnae. Today it includes over 600 works by leading international artists, including , ,  and Judy Chicago.

The Women's Art Collection received accreditation from Arts Council England in 2018.
  
The Collection is open to members of the public and is free to visit. Visit our  for more information.