Former Star Trek actor Sir Patrick Stewart took his final curtain call as Chancellor at Huddersfield University but vowed: “I’m going nowhere.”

The Mirfield-born Hollywood star and Shakespearean actor marked his 75th birthday by stepping down from a role he has held since 2004.

His last duty was to install the Duke of York, Prince Andrew, as his successor but he was immediately elevated to the role of Emeritus Chancellor and promised to be the perfect “understudy.”

WATCH: Sir Patrick Stewart says goodbye as Prince Andrew becomes Chancellor

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During a special awards ceremony, which saw around 70 students receive their degrees, Sir Patrick said: “I do not leave with any sadness because I am not really leaving.”

He told the Duke he wouldn’t be some “looming 11-year-old shadow” and promised to step in as “understudy” whenever the Prince was unavailable.

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Sir Patrick joked that the university had even bought a new cushion for the Chancellor’s chair – and it was so high his feet wouldn’t touch the floor.

The Duke, a former Royal Naval commander, paid tribute to the work of Sir Patrick and said: “This is a change of command. Sir Patrick has commanded something beyond the stars. I have commanded something floating on the seas.”

Read: Sir Patrick Stewart relives Star Trek days as he steps down from Chancellor post

The Duke pledged to give the role his full attention and added: “I intend to be a hands-on Chancellor and I intend to continue the legacy of my predecessor.

“This university is renowned for preparing and equipping students for the real world whatever their chosen path.

“This university is going places and I believe I have inherited a university in very, very good shape.”

The Duke of York becomes the new Chancellor of Huddersfield University. Pictured with the outgoing Chancellor Sir Patrick Stewart

The Duke said Sir Patrick would still be very much part of the university family and added: “In the Royal Navy we refer to the ship as ‘mother’ and your commanding officer is ‘father.’ I think this university is gaining a father.

“Sir Patrick, thank you for your 11 years. It’s been a most remarkable time for this university. Thank you for what you have done.”

The Duke brought roars of laughter and applause from the audience of graduates, lecturers, family and friends when he used a Star Trek catchphrase to give Sir Patrick a fitting send off.

“There’s only one way to say farewell and that’s ‘live long and prosper,’” grinned the Duke, who also gave the Vulcan salute made famous by Mr Spock in the original Star Trek series.

The Duke of York bids Sir Patrick Stewart farewell with the famous Vulcan 'Live Long and Prosper' salute
The Duke of York bids Sir Patrick Stewart farewell with the famous Vulcan 'Live Long and Prosper' salute

The Duke was also presented with an Honorary Doctorate by university vice-chancellor Prof Bob Cryan for his work in promoting entrepreneurialism and digital skills in young people.

The Duke, who became patron of the university in 2013, has been an ambassador for UK business overseas and set up the Duke of York Young Entrepreneur Awards.

He has also supported overseas recruitment for the university in the likes of Vietnam and Indonesia and was instrumental in bringing the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy to Huddersfield.

The Duke of York becomes the new Chancellor of Huddersfield University. Pictured with the outgoing Chancellor Sir Patrick Stewart and Vice chancellor Professor Bob Cryan CBE (Left).

Prof Cryan said: “The Duke of York is a natural ally to the University of Huddersfield. He has been an invaluable support becoming first our patron and now Chancellor.

“He is the Entrepreneur in Residence at Buckingham Palace.”