Andrew, Prince

Andrew, Prince (1960- ), third child and second son of Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and her consort, Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh. Born at Buckingham Palace, Andrew was the first child in 103 years to be born to a reigning British monarch. His full name is Andrew Albert Christian Edward and he is fourth in line to the throne. Andrew was known as Prince Andrew until his marriage in 1986 to Lady Sarah Ferguson, when he was created Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron Killyleagh. His usual title is now the Duke of York.

Andrew attended Gordonstoun School in Scotland, then joined the Royal Navy in 1979. He trained first as a naval officer and Royal Marine commando, then as a helicopter pilot, joining an operational squadron in 1981. With the outbreak of the Falklands War in 1982, Andrew sailed with the aircraft carrier Invincible as part of the task force sent to retake the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), and flew numerous front-line missions. Andrew continued his naval career after the end of hostilities, being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in 1992; he was also made Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps in the same year. In January 1997 he joined the Ministry of Defence as a staff officer. He holds honorary ranks as Colonel-in-Chief of several British Army regiments. He became President of the Football Association in August 2000.

In July 1986 Andrew married Sarah Ferguson in a ceremony in Westminster Abbey. They had two children, princesses Beatrice (1988- ) and Eugenie (1990- ), fifth and sixth in line of succession respectively. However, the couple’s separation was announced in March 1992, and they formally divorced in May 1996.