CAIRO: Prince Charles flies into Egypt today facing controversy at Cairo s most renowned Islamic institution over the awarding of an honorary degree to the heir to the British throne. Al-Azhar University, one of the top institutions in Sunni Islam, is to give Charles an honorary doctorate when he arrives with his wife Camilla at the start of an official tour also taking in Saudi Arabia and India. But the move to reward Charles for his conciliatory stance during the recent controversy over cartoons satirizing the Prophet Mohammed has divided directors at Al-Azhar, some of whom feel he doesn t deserve the honor. All that Prince Charles did is to say that Islam is the most widespread religion in the world and that s a reality, not a discovery made by the prince, Al-Azhar lecturer in Arab literature Abdel Azim Al-Mataanni told AFP. That is not enough for him to receive such a reward from the prestigious Al-Azhar University, well known in the Muslim world, he said. But another university director, Islamic expert Abdel Sabur Shahin, told AFP that Prince Charles had adopted positions close to Islam and Muslims, something no one else of his importance has done. He said the honorary doctorate was supposed to encourage him to befriend Muslims in Great Britain and to support Islam against the obstacles it faces in Europe. The trip will be the second abroad by Charles and his second wife, known officially as the Duchess of Cornwall, since their marriage in April 2005, following a visit to the United States in November. The tour s key themes are promoting better understanding and tolerance between faiths, supporting environmental and conservation initiatives and encouraging sustainable employment and training opportunities for young people. The tour, during which security was expected to be tight, will end in India on March 31. Britain s Foreign Office currently warns of a high threat of terrorism in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. In Egypt, the couple will visit Cairo and a desert oasis town before laying a wreath at the Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery at El Alamein, the site of a major World War II battle in 1942. The visit was to include events promoting British education in Egypt and better understanding between states, and a viewing of an exhibition of traditional Islamic art. Their visit to Saudi Arabia will focus on education and training opportunities for both men and women, as well as faith issues, Charles official residence Clarence House said. Charles last visited Saudi Arabia in August following the death of King Fahd. AFP
Islamic row over Prince Charles' visit to Egypt
