Photo credit: Royal Family

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, born Andrew Albert Christian Edward on February 19, 1960, at Buckingham Palace, is the second son and third child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Named after his paternal grandfather’s father, Prince Andrew of Greece, he was the first child born to a reigning British monarch since Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter, Princess Beatrice, marking him from birth as a figure of public attention.

He began his education at Heatherdown Preparatory School in Berkshire before following his father and older brother to Gordonstoun School in Scotland. Showing early interest in military service, Andrew joined the Royal Navy, training at the Britannia Royal Naval College and completing the Royal Marine Green Beret course. He learned to fly Gazelle and Sea King helicopters and began what would be a distinguished naval career.

In 1982, Andrew was assigned to the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible and saw front-line action during the Falklands War, flying anti-submarine and anti-surface missions, as well as search-and-rescue operations. Over the years, he transitioned to Lynx helicopters and served aboard ships including HMS Brazen and HMS Campbeltown. Rising to Lieutenant Commander in 1992, he later commanded the minehunter HMS Cottesmore and finished his naval career in 2001 as a Commander at the Ministry of Defence in London. He also served as Colonel-in-Chief for several regiments, including some in Canada.

Andrew’s personal life was closely tied to the royal spotlight. He had known Sarah Ferguson since childhood through shared family interests, especially polo. The two married on July 23, 1986, at Westminster Abbey. Andrew was created Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron Killyleagh, while Sarah became the Duchess of York. Together, they had two daughters: Princess Beatrice, born in 1988, and Princess Eugenie, born in 1990. However, his frequent naval duties and the pressures of royal life strained the marriage. The couple separated in March 1992 and divorced on May 30, 1996, though they have maintained a cordial relationship.

After his naval career, Andrew worked as a trade envoy for the UK, representing the country at international trade and export events. His public role came under scrutiny in 2011 following reports of his friendship with American financier Jeffrey Epstein. In 2015, allegations of sexual impropriety emerged, which he denied, but the issue resurfaced in 2019 after Epstein’s death. A television interview that November drew widespread criticism and led to a public relations crisis for both Andrew and the royal family. Many charities and associations he represented withdrew their patronage, and on November 20, 2019, Buckingham Palace announced he would suspend his public duties “for the foreseeable future.”

Subsequent years saw further formal relinquishments: on January 13, 2022, Andrew gave up his HRH title, all honorary military appointments, and royal patronages. On October 17, 2025, he gave up the title Duke of York, and on October 30, 2025, he officially ceased using the title Prince, becoming Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.

From royal heir and naval officer to a figure at the center of public controversy, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s life has been shaped by privilege, service, and scandal. Today, he is facing a case involving suspicion of misconduct in public office.