Britain’s Prince Andrew told Sir Patrick Stewart to "live long and prosper".
The 55-year-old royal succeeded the ‘Star Trek’ actor as chancellor of the University of Huddersfield in a ceremony on Monday (13.07.15) and took the opportunity to make a joke about his most famous role as Captain Jean-Luc Pinard in the science fiction franchise by uttering the catchphrase and delivering a Vulcan peace sign.
During the awards ceremony at the institution, the prince said: "Patrick, thank you very much indeed for your 11 years. It’s been, from all that I have heard, a most remarkable time for this university. Thank you for what you’ve done.
"And I believe there’s only one way to say, at the end of your 11 years, farewell and welcome, which is simply: live long and prosper."
Thankfully the 75-year-old actor – who was stepping down from the role after over a decade – took the comments in good spirits and laughed along with the gathered crowd of guests.
As well as being made chancellor, the duke – who became the institution’s patron in 2013 – was given an honorary doctorate for his contributions to entrepreneurship, having opened the university’s Duke of York Young Entrepreneur Centre two years ago.
Vice-chancellor Professor Bob Cryan said: "His Royal Highness has a natural ally in the University of Huddersfield, where entrepreneurialism is an essential component of our education and our philosophy."
Britain’s Prince Andrew jokes with Sir Patrick Stewart
