Prince Andrew has said goodbye to his Royal Navy career after 22 years with a lunch on board the aircraft carrier Ark Royal. Arriving by helicopter on board the vessel, which is currently undergoing sea trials off Newcastle, the 41-year-old stripped off his flying suit before launching into his farewell speech in front of 600 officers and men.
“For some of us this is a sad day,” he said. “What I have enjoyed over the last 22 years has been the remarkable change in the way that we do our business. I joined at the end of the Seventies, we are now into the 21st Century. Twenty-two years is a long time in one business but I have thoroughly enjoyed myself with the likes of you. We all wear the same uniform and it has been a tremendous privilege for me to wear that uniform and to serve alongside you.”
Like the Duke of Edinburgh, Andrew saw active service during his military career, piloting decoy helicopter missions in the Falklands conflict. The father of Beatrice and Eugenie will now take up a new, unpaid role as a British trade ambassador, promoting UK products with the Government’s British Trade International.
“The time has come to move on and take new challenges,” continued the Prince. “This role will be extremely challenging based on the fact that I have a lot to learn and I am fascinated by what it is that has to be done. I am looking forward to learning about international business, where we fit into the world’s economy and to see how I can contribute.”
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
