NAME: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, Duke of York
WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is a member of the British royal family and is known for his military service, charitable work, and occasional controversies.
BIRTH: He was born on February 19, 1960, at Buckingham Palace, London, as the second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
FAMILY BACKGROUND: Son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Second in line to the throne for a period, currently eighth.
Andrew was the first child born to a reigning monarch since Queen Victoria gave birth to Princess Beatrice in 1857, 103 years earlier.
As a member of the British royal family, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was born into a life of privilege and duty. His family background is steeped in tradition and public service.
CHILDHOOD: Growing up in the public eye, the then-Prince Andrew experienced a childhood marked by royal duties, formal events, and the close scrutiny of the media. He formed strong bonds with his siblings and developed a sense of responsibility from an early age.
Andrew was described as a lively and adventurous child, who enjoyed outdoor activities and sports.
He said: "I've always been told I was extremely well-behaved as a kid."
EDUCATION: Prince Andrew attended Heatherdown School and later Gordonstoun School, known for its emphasis on outdoor activities and character development. He then pursued a naval career, attending the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth.
CAREER RECORD: He had a distinguished naval career, serving in various capacities and rising to the rank of Commander. He actively participated in the Falklands War, gaining recognition for his service.
Undertook official duties on behalf of the Queen until 2019, stepping down due to a public scandal.
Held several honorary military positions.
APPEARANCE: Tall and well-built, with red hair (which has turned grey with age) and blue eyes.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been described as having a regal and distinguished appearance, reflecting his royal status. He has undergone public scrutiny for changes in his physical appearance over the years.
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| Prince Andrew by Chatham House - Chatham House Prize 2013 Award Ceremony, |
FASHION: Andrew is known for his traditional and conservative style, often wearing tailored suits and military uniforms.
As a member of the royal family, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor adheres to traditional and formal attire for official engagements. His fashion choices often align with royal protocol and expectations.
CHARACTER: Known for his affable and outgoing nature, Prince Andrew is recognized for his approachability and charm in public engagements. However, his character has been the subject of public discussion due to various controversies. At times he can be impulsive and lacking judgment.
SENSE OF HUMOUR: Andrew is often noted for his sense of humor, which can be self-deprecating and jovial. However, it has been a source of controversy in certain instances.
SPEAKING VOICE Andrew's speaking voice is typically described as deep, posh, and somewhat clipped—reflecting his aristocratic upbringing and military background. His accent is distinctly upper-class British, with clear enunciation and a measured pace, typical of the Royal Family.
Over the years, his tone has been noted for being formal yet sometimes defensive, particularly in high-profile interviews. In his infamous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, where he addressed his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, his voice was scrutinized for its sometimes hesitant delivery and awkward phrasing. Some observers have noted that, under pressure, his voice can take on a strained or unconvincing quality.
RELATIONSHIPS: When he was known as Prince Andrew, he married Sarah Ferguson at Westminster Abbey on July 23, 1986. Sarah Ferguson joined the British Royal Family as the Duchess of York.
They have two daughters, Princesses Beatrice, who was born at 8.18 pm at London's Portland Hospital.
MONEY AND FAME: As a member of the royal family, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor enjoys a life of privilege. However, his financial affairs have been the subject of public debate and scrutiny.
FOOD AND DRINK: Andrew's personal preferences in food and drink are largely private. As a royal, he likely experiences a varied and high-quality culinary lifestyle.
MUSIC AND ARTS: While not known for significant contributions to the arts, Andrew has been involved in charitable activities that support cultural institutions.
LITERATURE: Andrew has not been prominently associated with literature, but he has been involved in promoting educational initiatives.
NATURE: Andrew's connection to nature is not extensively documented, but as a naval officer, he likely developed an appreciation for the outdoors during his military service.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS: His interests include golf, a sport he actively participates in and supports through various charitable events. Additionally, he has shown interest in equestrian activities.
SCIENCE AND MATHS: While Andrew's education and career in the Navy involved technical aspects, he has not been notably associated with scientific or mathematical pursuits.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Andrew was raised in the Church of England, but no specific details about his personal beliefs are publicly known.
SCANDAL: Andrew has faced controversy, particularly regarding his association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The scandal led to public criticism leading to him stepping down from public duties and significant reputational damage.
During a 2019 interview on the BBC television program Newsnight on November 16, 2019, Andrew denied allegations by Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with Andrew on multiple occasions, including in London, when she was 17. He stated that he had "no recollection" of meeting Giuffre. In 2022, Andrew settled a civil lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre in the U.S., reportedly paying millions of dollars, though he admitted no wrongdoing.
Following intense public and media scrutiny related to his association with Jeffrey Epstein and a civil lawsuit alleging sexual abuse filed by Virginia Giuffre, Buckingham Palace released a statement on January 13, 2022 confirming that Andrew'’s military titles and royal patronages had been returned to the Queen. It was also clarified that Andrew would no longer use the style "His Royal Highness" in any official capacity.
Andrew ceased to be known as the Duke of York on October 17, 2025, when he announced he would stop using the title due to ongoing controversy, after discussions with King Charles and other members of the Royal Family. This announcement was followed by a formal statement from Buckingham Palace on October 30, 2025 confirming that the King had initiated a process to officially remove all royal titles and honors from Andrew, including the styling of "Duke of York". He is now officially referred to as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.
MILITARY RECORD: Andrew served in the Royal Navy, reaching the rank of Commander. His military record is commendable, with active service during the Falklands War earning him respect within the armed forces.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Details about Andrew's health and physical fitness are generally kept private. His public appearances indicate a reasonable level of fitness.
Has disclosed he has a medical condition which means he doesn't sweat.
HOMES: As a royal, Andrew has had access to various residences, including Buckingham Palace and his own home, Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.
TRAVEL: Andrew has traveled extensively in his official capacity, representing the royal family at events, ceremonies, and charitable engagements worldwide.
Andrew has faced criticism and scrutiny for his extensive use of private jets for both official and personal travel. The public debate surrounding his travel choices, combined with concerns about the environmental impact of frequent air travel, contributed to the creation of the nickname "Air Miles Andy."
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Andrew has been a subject of media coverage throughout his life, with both positive and negative portrayals. His public engagements, controversies, and personal life have been extensively covered by the media.
Andrew faced his first big television test on November 13, 1983 when he was interviewed by David Frost. He was in front of the cameras at TVam for 20 minutes. Frost said: "I think people will be really delighted by the quality of the man."
Andrew gave an interview on the BBC television program Newsnight on November 16, 2019, conducted by journalist Emily Maitlis. The interview was a pivotal moment in the public scrutiny of his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the allegations against Andrew himself.
Andrew admitted he had stayed at Epstein's homes, including after Epstein's conviction in 2008 for sex offenses, describing it as a "convenient place to stay." He justified their friendship, stating it allowed him to meet influential people. However, he also called this decision "unbecoming of a member of the royal family."
While Andrew expressed some regret about his continued association with Epstein after the 2008 conviction, he notably failed to show empathy for Epstein's victims during the interview, a factor that contributed to public backlash.
The interview was widely criticized, with many viewing it as a disastrous attempt at damage control. Observers noted a lack of remorse or awareness of the gravity of the allegations.
Following the interview, Andrew announced he would step back from public duties, acknowledging that his association with Epstein had become a "major disruption" to the royal family.
The infamous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview with Andrew has been dramatized in multiple adaptations:
Scoop (2024): A Netflix film based on Scoops, the memoir by Newsnight producer Sam McAlister. This drama provides a behind-the-scenes look at how the interview was secured and executed. Gillian Anderson portrays journalist Emily Maitlis, Billie Piper plays Sam McAlister, and Rufus Sewell takes on the role of Prince Andrew. The film focuses on the high-stakes negotiations and the interview's significant impact.
A Very Royal Scandal (2004): This series offers a contrasting perspective, dramatizing the experience of Emily Maitlis as she prepared for and conducted the interview. Michael Sheen stars as Prince Andrew, with Ruth Wilson playing Maitlis. It emphasizes Maitlis's professional and personal journey leading up to the interview.
Prince Andrew: The Musical (2022): A Channel 4 satirical musical comedy that covers key events in Andrew's life, including the Newsnight interview. While more comedic in tone, it touches on similar themes of controversy and public scrutiny
Andrew has also been portrayed in
Diana: Her True Story (1993)
The Women of Windsor (1992)
Charles and Diana: Unhappily Ever After (1992)
Charles & Diana: A Royal Love Story (1982)
The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana (1982)
The Crown (2016)
Spencer (2021)
ACHIEVEMENTS: Served his country as a member of the Royal Navy.
Undertook public duties on behalf of the Queen for many years.
Founded several charitable organizations.
These achievements have been overshadowed by controversies, particularly his association with Jeffrey Epstein, which has impacted his public standing.
Sources Encyclopaedia of Trivia, IMDB
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