Prince Charles discussed religious tolerance with Egyptian PhD students in London

Prince Charles met with a group of Egyptian students from Cairo’s Al-Azhar University to discuss religious tolerance and efforts at combatting terrorism, said a spokesperson for the British Embassy in Cairo.

Six students from a scholarship program between the UK and Al-Azhar University met with Prince Charles at his residence in London.

The students, who are currently pursuing their PhDs at several British universities, are part of a Religious Studies Scholarship established in 2015 by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb, and the British Ambassador to Egypt John Casson.

The grant seeks to promote dialogue between cultures and religions. Since 2016, six scholarships have been awarded and each grant is valued at more than £170,000 per candidate.

The reception was attended by both Ambassador Casson and the director of the British Council in Egypt, Jeff Streeter.

“We’re proud to partner with Al-Azhar to encourage dialogue and support young faith leaders like the six Egyptian students here today, in order to promote the values of peace, openness and tolerance,” said Ambassador Casson.

It is planned to raise a further £2m to provide for 15 more scholarships from now until 2025.

The meeting came after the recent death of an Egyptian engineering student in the UK, who was severely beaten and subsequently died, following an attack by a group of young women.