Call for Princess Anne to quit her uni post

Published on 17/01/2013 12:00

PRINCESS Anne is set to be snubbed at a graduation ceremony by students still angry over her appointment as Edinburgh University chancellor.

Edinburgh University Student Association (EUSA) has passed a controversial motion backing a “policy against privilege” and has called for Anne to quit. She took over the prestigious role in 2011, succeeding her father, Prince Philip, who had held the title for 50 years.

Student leaders have condemned the way the Princess Royal was appointed through “an unclear and unopposed election” that was also “not clearly publicised” to students. EUSA is now lobbying the university to change the selection process and has written to Princess Anne asking her to stand down from her role. All elected student officers have now agreed to avoid meetings where the chancellor is present, including a graduation service planned to take place tomorrow.

In September 2011, protesters staged a sit-in in an attempt to hijack her inauguration at the General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland.

EUSA president James McAsh said: “It is baffling that the university was equipped to email the alumni to announce Princess Anne’s appointment, yet they felt it was unnecessary to invite nominations via the same channel.”