Profile of Prince Andrew

Title: Prince Andrew, Duke of York
Full Name: Andrew Albert Christian Edward

Father: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Mother: Queen Elizabeth II
Relation to Elizabeth II: Son
Born: February 19, 1960 at Buckingham Palace, London
Current Age: 52 years and 8 months
Married: Sarah Ferguson on July 23, 1986 at Westminster Abbey
Divorced: May 30, 1996
Children: Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie

Prince Andrew is the second son and third child of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. He was born on 19 February 1960 in Buckingham Palace, and was named after his paternal grandfather Prince Philip’s father Prince Andrew of Greece. He was the first child born to a reigning British monarch since Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter Princess Beatrice. He was baptised on 8 April 1960.

Prince Andrew was educated at Heatherdown Preparatory School, Berkshire, before like his brother and father before him going to Gordounston School in Scotland. He left with 3 A levels and joined the Royal Navy attending Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth. He undertook the Royal Marine Green Beret course, and learned to fly Gazelle and Sea King helicopters. In 1982 he joined the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible, and saw front line action during the Falklands War flying Anti-Submarine and Anti-Surface warfare missions and search and rescue operations. In 1983 he transferred to Lynx helicopters and 1984 - 1991 saw service aboard HMS Brazen as a flight pilot and as flight commander on HMS Campbletown. He became a Lieutenant Commander in 1992 and commanded a Minehunter HMS Cottesmore. In 1995 he was was senior pilot of 815 Naval Air Squadron, and in 2001 finished his naval career as a Commander in the Ministry of Defence in London. He is Colonel-in-Chief of a number of regiments including Canadian regiments.

He has known Sarah Ferguson since childhood though their families shared interest in polo, and on 23 July 1986 Prince Andrew and Sarah were married in Westminster Abbey. He was created Duke of York, Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh titles previously held by his maternal grandfather George VI. Sarah became Duchess of York. They have two children Princess Beatrice born in 1988, and Princess Eugenie born in 1990. Sarah received considerably media attention but he was frequently away on naval duties and the marriage broke down. They were separated in March 1992, and following pictures in the press of Sarah with her American financial advisor, they were divorced on 30 May 1996 although their friendship continues and they remain on good terms.

The Duke of York currently works for the UK Department of Trade and Industry, and travels throughout the world representing the UK at trade and export events. He is Commodore of the Royal Yacht club, Trustee of the National Maritime Museum, and patron of charities including the Deaf Association, and National Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. He also attends official ceremonies on behalf of the Queen.

Prince Andrew's Signature