Prince Andrew, Duke of York is the third child and second son of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The Prince was born on 19th February 1960, eight years after his mother became Queen of England. He was christened Andrew Christian Edward, named after his paternal grandfather Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark who died in 1944. Andrew's birth was significant as he was the first child born to a reigning monarch since Queen Victoria has given birth to her youngest daughter in 1857. Prince Andrew was second in line to the throne at the time of his birth and is currently 7th in position.
Prince Andrew grew up at Buckingham Palace alongside his two older siblings Prince Charles (1948), Princess Anne (1950) and his younger brother Prince Edward (1964). Like his siblings he began his schooling with a governess at Buckingham Palace before attending Heatherdown School in Berkshire. In September at the age of 13 The Prince began boarding school at his father's Alma mater, Gordonstoun School in Scotland. In 1977 at the age of 17 Andrew spent six months on exchange in Canada at Lakefield College. Prince Andrew graduated from Gordonstoun in 1979.
After completing school Prince Andrew entered the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. Andrew committed to 12 years in the Navy. On his entrance to Dartmouth Andrew was given the rank of midshipman. The following year began a Royal Marines All Arms commando course.
Upon graduation from Dartmouth Prince Andrew began flight training with the Royal Air Force, as well as learning basic flying with the Navy on HMS Seahawk where he learned to fly a Gazelle Helicopter. In 1982 Andrew gained his wings and joined 820 Naval Air Squadron aboard the HMS Invincible. That same year Prince Andrew's ship was involved in The Falklands War against Argentina. The British government tried to have the young prince moved to a desk job, but Queen Elizabeth II insisted her son remain with his ship. Prince Andrew did remain and subsequently served in The Falklands War until July 1983.
Late in 1983 Prince Andrew began training to fly the Lynx Helicopter and was promoted to lieutenant. From 1984 until 1986 Andrew served on board the HMS Brazen and had deployments in the Mediterranean. In 1986 the Duke of York enrolled in a four month long course in helicopter warfare. Upon graduation in 1987 The Duke served as a helicopter warfare office for a year. Between 1989 and 1991 Prince Andrew served as a Force Aviation Officer. In July 1991 he passed the Squadron Command examination and in 1992 attended the Staff College, Camberley to complete the Army Staff Course. After passing his course Andrew was promoted to lieutenant-commander. Between 1993 and 1994 The Prince commanded the HMS Cottesmore.
In 1995 The Duke of York took up the position of Senior Pilot to the 815 Naval Air Squadron. By April 1999 he was promoted to commander. In 2001 Prince Andrew, Duke of York completed his active naval career.
On 23rd July 1986 Prince Andrew married Sarah Ferguson, they became the Duke and Duchess of York. Andrew and Sarah share two daughters together, Princess Beatrice of York (8th August 1988) and Princess Eugenie of York (23rd March 1990). Despite their happy marriage Andrew's frequent absences due to his naval career affected their marriage and the couple divorced in 1996. The couple have remained on good terms.
Prince Andrew is heavily involved with business and trade. He has been chairman of the Outward Bound Trust since 1999, a charity that instills leadership qualities in young people. Prince Andrew worked with UK Trade and Investment from 2001-2011. He is also currently serving as the UK's special representative for trade and investment. Prince Andrew all works closely with the Canadian Military. In 2012 Prince Andrew represented Queen Elizabeth in India for her Diamond Jubilee and became involved with the Women's Interlink Foundation. In 2014 Prince Andrew founded his passion project, Pitch@Palace which supports young entrepreneurs.
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