Prince Andrew Biography
Prince Andrew Biography: Prince Andrew Albert Christian Edward, born February 19, 1960, is a senior member of the British royal family, the second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and younger brother to King Charles III. Known as the Duke of York, Prince Andrew has had a distinguished military career and a controversial public life, marked by both service and scandal.
Prince Andrew Age
Prince Andrew was born on February 19, 1960, in the Belgian Suite of Buckingham Palace, London, at 3:30 PM GMT. As of 2025, he is 65 years old.
Age in Context
He was the third child and second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
His birth was historically significant—he was the first child born to a reigning monarch since Queen Victoria’s time.
At birth, he was second in line to the British throne; as of 2025, he is eighth, following the children and grandchildren of King Charles III.
Prince Andrew Early Life & Education
Born: Buckingham Palace, London, UK
Parents: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
Siblings: King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Edward
Education:
Heatherdown Preparatory School, Ascot
Gordonstoun School, Scotland (also attended by his father and brother)
Lakefield College School, Ontario, Canada (exchange year)
Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth (joined in 1979)
Prince Andrew was the first child born to a reigning monarch since Queen Victoria’s time, marking a historic moment in royal lineage.
Prince Andrew Military Career
Branch: Royal Navy
Service Years: 1979–2001
Rank: Vice Admiral
Specialization: Helicopter pilot and instructor
Key Missions:
Served aboard HMS Invincible during the Falklands War (1982)
Flew missions including casualty evacuation, anti-surface warfare, and missile decoy operations
His military service earned him respect and recognition, especially for his active role in combat zones.
Prince Andrew Marriage & Family
Spouse: Sarah Ferguson (married 1986, divorced 1996)
Children:
Princess Beatrice of York (born 1988)
Princess Eugenie of York (born 1990)
Their marriage was widely covered by the media, and their eventual separation and divorce drew public attention. Despite the split, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have remained close friends and co-parents.
Here’s a full, detailed look at Prince Andrew’s children, their lives, careers, and royal roles:
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, has two daughters with his former wife Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. Despite their parents’ divorce in 1996, the family has remained close, often appearing together at royal events.
Princess Beatrice of York
Full Name: Beatrice Elizabeth Mary
Born: August 8, 1988, at Portland Hospital, London
Title: Princess Beatrice of York
Line of Succession: Currently 9th to the British throne
Education:
Attended St George’s School and Goldsmiths, University of London
Graduated with a degree in History and History of Ideas
Career & Public Role
Works in business and technology, including a role at Afiniti, a software company.
Promoted to one of the Counsellors of State following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.
Not a full-time working royal but attends select royal engagements.
Marriage & Family
Spouse: Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi (married July 2020 at Royal Chapel of All Saints, Windsor)
Child: Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi (born September 18, 2021)
Princess Eugenie of York
Full Name: Eugenie Victoria Helena
Born: March 23, 1990, at Portland Hospital, London
Title: Princess Eugenie of York
Line of Succession: Currently 11th to the British throne
Education:
Attended Marlborough College
Graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in English Literature and Art History
Career & Public Role
Works in the art world as a director at Hauser & Wirth, a contemporary art gallery.
Advocates for causes including anti-slavery, scoliosis awareness, and environmental protection.
Like her sister, she is not a full-time working royal.
Marriage & Family
Spouse: Jack Brooksbank (married October 2018 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor)
Children:
August Philip Hawke Brooksbank (born February 9, 2021)
Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank (born May 30, 2023)
Family Dynamics
Despite Prince Andrew’s public controversies, his daughters have maintained positive public reputations.
Beatrice and Eugenie are known for their close bond, often attending events together.
Both daughters have spoken publicly in support of their father, while also maintaining independent careers and modern family lives.
Prince Andrew Public Service & Royal Duties
Held the title Duke of York since 1986
Represented the Queen in official engagements for decades
Served as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment (2001–2011)
Patron of various charities and military organizations
Prince Andrew Controversies & Legal Issues
Jeffrey Epstein Scandal
Accused by Virginia Giuffre of sexual assault when she was 17, allegedly trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell
Prince Andrew denied all allegations
In 2022, settled the civil lawsuit out of court for an undisclosed sum
Fallout
Stepped back from public duties in 2019
In January 2022, Queen Elizabeth II stripped him of honorary military titles and royal patronages
No longer uses the title “His Royal Highness” in an official capacity
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Prince Andrew Public Service & Royal Duties
Prince Andrew’s legacy is complex:
Celebrated for his military service and royal duties
Criticized for his association with Epstein and handling of legal matters
Remains a public figure, though largely removed from royal engagements
His story reflects the challenges of modern monarchy—balancing tradition, service, and accountability in the public eye.
Prince Andrew’s Military Career
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, served in the Royal Navy from 1979 to 2001, rising to the rank of Vice Admiral. His career was marked by active combat service, aviation excellence, and leadership roles aboard several Royal Navy vessels.
Prince Andrew Career Timeline & Highlights
1979: Entry into the Royal Navy
Joined on a short service commission as a Seaman Officer, specializing as a pilot.
Enrolled at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC), Dartmouth.
Completed the Royal Marine Commando course at Lympstone, earning his Green Beret.
1980–1981: Flight Training
Trained in fixed-wing aircraft at RAF Leeming, flying Bulldog planes.
Received his pilot’s wings in 1981 from his father, Prince Philip.
Began helicopter training at RNAS Culdrose, flying Gazelle helicopters with 705 NAS.
Advanced to Sea King helicopters with 706 NAS.
1982: Falklands War
Served aboard HMS Invincible with 820 Naval Air Squadron.
Flew missions including:
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW)
Search and Rescue (SAR)
Casualty evacuation
Exocet missile decoy operations
His role in the Falklands War earned him public respect and demonstrated his commitment to active duty.
Prince Andrew 1983–1986: Operational Assignments
Converted to Lynx helicopters at 702 NAS, RNAS Portland.
Served aboard HMS Brazen (Type 22 Frigate) as Flight Pilot.
Appointed Aide-de-Camp to Queen Elizabeth II in 1984.
Prince Andrew 1987–1988: Instructor & Navigation Officer
Completed the Lieutenant’s Greenwich Course and Helicopter Warfare Instructor (HWI) Course.
Returned to 702 NAS as a staff instructor.
Joined HMS Edinburgh (Type 42 Destroyer) to earn Watchkeeping and Ocean Navigation Certificates.
Prince Andrew Rank Progression
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1979 | Midshipman |
| 1981 | Sub-Lieutenant |
| 1984 | Lieutenant |
| 2001 | Vice Admiral |
Prince Andrew Retirement & Honorary Roles
Retired from active service in 2001.
Held honorary military titles until January 2022, when they were revoked due to public backlash over his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
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Prince Andrew Legacy in the Armed Forces
Prince Andrew’s military career is remembered for:
Frontline service in the Falklands War
Helicopter aviation expertise
Instructional leadership
Royal representation in military ceremonies
Despite later controversies, his military record remains one of the most active and decorated among senior royals.
Prince Andrew Conclusion Military Legacy
Prince Andrew’s two-decade career in the Royal Navy was marked by dedication, skill, and frontline service. From earning his pilot wings to flying combat missions in the Falklands War, he demonstrated a level of professionalism and courage that earned him respect within military circles. His progression through the ranks to Vice Admiral reflected both his operational competence and his symbolic role as a senior royal in the armed forces.
While his later life has been overshadowed by personal controversies, his military service stands apart as a period of honorable commitment. He was one of the few royals to serve in active combat, and his contributions—particularly during the Falklands conflict—remain a notable chapter in the history of royal military service.
In the end, Prince Andrew’s military career is a reminder that behind the ceremonial duties of royalty, there can be genuine service and sacrifice. His time in uniform, though now concluded, continues to shape how he is remembered in the context of British naval history.
