Background

The Duke of York is the second son and the third child of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. He was born on 19 February 1960 at Buckingham Palace; the first child to be born to a reigning monarch for 103 years. Christened Andrew Albert Christian Edward in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace, he was known as Prince Andrew until his marriage, when he was created The Duke of York, Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh. From the age of four Prince Andrew's initial education was conducted by a governess at Buckingham Palace. Aged eight Prince Andrew was sent to Heatherdown Preparatory School, Ascot; he was taught there until he was 13, when he moved on to Gordonstoun School in Morayshire, Scotland. After taking 'O' levels he spent two terms on the Round Square exchange programme at Lakefield College School in Ontario, Canada. After returning to Gordonstoun, he studied for his 'A' levels before joining the Royal Navy.

The Duke of York joined the Royal Navy in 1979 on a short service commission, as a Seaman Officer specialising as a pilot. He entered Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.In 1992 The Duke of York was appointed to the Army Command and Staff Course at the Staff College, Camberley and, in February that year, was promoted to Lieutenant Commander.

The Duke of York joined the Ministry of Defence, London, in January 1997 as a staff officer in the Directorate of Naval Operations. In January 1999, the Ministry announced that he was to be promoted to Commander and take up an appointment within the Diplomacy Section of the Naval Staff, in April 1999. In December 2000 it was announced that The Duke of York would conclude this appointment in April 2001, before formally leaving the Royal Navy at the end of July 2001.From August 2001 The Duke of York will undertake a wider range of royal duties in support of The Queen, including work on behalf of British Trade International (BTI), the government organisation responsible for promotion of British trade and investment overseas.

Marriage and family

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson were engaged on 19 March 1986. Sarah Ferguson, born on 15 October 1959, is the second daughter of Major Ronald Ferguson and Susan, the late Mrs Hector Barrantes. They were married in Westminster Abbey on 23 July 1986. At the time of their marriage Prince Andrew was created The Duke of York and Sarah became The Duchess of York. The Duke and Duchess's first child was born on 8 August 1988 at the Portland Hospital in London and was named Beatrice Elizabeth Mary of York. Their second child was also born at the Portland Hospital on 23 March 1990 and named Eugenie Victoria Helena. They are fifth and sixth in line of succession to the throne. In March 1992 it was announced that The Duke and Duchess were to separate; they were divorced in May 1996. The Duke and Duchess have continued to have joint custody of their children.

Honours

The Duke of York was appointed a commander of the Royal Victorian Order in December 1979.