The Duke of York will say goodbye to the Royal Navy today following 22 years of service as a war hero and commanding officer.
“There comes a time when all good things must come to an end,” says Prince Andrew. The 41-year-old will be “dined out” of the service with a tribute aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal off Newcastle upon Tyne today. He’ll continue to carry out official royal engagements and will be taking on a new role as a special representative of the British Trade International.
“He has made a huge contribution to our service and we wish him every success with the important work he is taking on,” says Admiral Sir Nigel Essenhigh. “We hope he will keep in touch with the Navy, informally as well as formally.”
The Prince joined the Navy in 1979 and faced combat in the South Atlantic in 1982, fighting to regain the Falkland Islands from Argentina. In April 1999 he was promoted to commander in the Diplomacy Section of the Naval Staff.
“I think it knocks the sharp edges off you,” says the Prince of fighting a war. “You become a slightly more rounded character. You certainly respect life a good deal more.”
Prince Andrew will take his new post as a roving ambassador for British industry in October.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
