THE Queen’s second son, Prince Andrew, full name Albert Christian Edward, duke of York, earl of Inverness, and Baron Killyleagh spent several years as a naval officer and was the first child to be born to a reigning monarch.
Here’s five more interesting facts about the royal.
Who is Prince Andrew?
Andrew Albert Christian Edward was born in Buckingham Palace on February 19, 1960 – he is the third child of Queen Elizabeth.
He was the first child born to a reigning monarch since Queen Victoria gave birth to her youngest child Princess Beatrice in 1857.
At 13 Andrew went to school in Gordonstoun, Scotland, where he gained A-Levels in English, history, economics and political science.
Andrew and met now ex-wife Sarah Ferguson occasionally at polo matches, but became more acquainted at Royal Ascot in 1985 – they married the next year on July 23.
Prince Andrew designed the engagement ring himself, consisting of ten diamonds surrounding a Burmese ruby, to complement Sarah’s red hair.
During their 10-year marriage, they had two daughters, Princesses Beatrice born in 1988 and Eugenie, born in 1990.
While the exact reason behind Andrew and Fergie’s break-up remains unknown, they announced their “amicable split” in 1992 and divorced in 1996 amid feverish media speculation.
The two appear to have retained a life-long friendship and still share a home together.
Five facts you didn’t know about Prince Andrew
1. Prince Andrew studied in Canada
The prince spent some time as an exchange student in Ontario, Canada.
He attended Lakefield College School in 1977, and has since been made the honorary chairman of the Lakefield College School Foundation.
2. The prince is a licensed pilot
HRH underwent pilot training in both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters in 1981, receiving his “wings” the same year.
The prince used his skills during The Falklands War, where he chartered helicopter missions.
3. He served 22 years in the navy
The Prince served in the Royal Navy for over two decades.
As well as carrying out helicopter missions the prince served aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible, but is now retired and concentrates mainly on his duties as a Royal.
4. Before marrying Sarah Ferguson, the prince dated US actress Koo Stark
Prince Andrew was set up on a blind date with Star Wars actress Katherine”Koo” Stark in 1981.
He walked into my life and that was it: he was my life, The actress said in a 2015 interview.
However the relationship ended after a few years when topless photos surfaced of the actress, as well as a naked lesbian sex scene from Koo’s first film – the couple were hounded by press coverage and their relationship fell apart.
5. His net worth is just a fraction of his mum’s
While Prince Andrew’s net worth, at a cool 32 million, it’s just a fraction of his mother, Queen Elizabeth’s mammoth 430 million.
However, you’ll never see the Queen with jangling pockets as she notoriously never carries any of her 430m fortune with her, only taking a few notes to church on a Sunday in order to make a donation.
Prince Andrew with daughter, Eugenie
The Prince at The Royal Ascot in 2010
