The Duke of York is strongly committed to promoting UK trade and investment. His visits to our countries of operation give visibility and impact to UK investment and create a positive environment for engagement with government and other stakeholders. In a competitive global economy he adds strength and presence to the reputation of UK businesses.”
Frank Chapman
Chief Executive, BG Group
In 2001, after serving for 22 years in the Royal Navy, The Duke of York was invited to take on the role of the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.
The Duke of York conducted more than 600 official engagements in 2008, the majority of which were in his capacity as the UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. This is a position he has held since 2001.
Working with Government and business, His Royal Highness’s role involves promoting the UK as an attractive inward investment destination for foreign investors; creating more positive business conditions for British businesses investing overseas; and helping UK companies export their products to both emerging and established markets.
There is no such thing as a typical day for The Duke of York, and his calendar of engagements differs according to whether he is based in the UK or working overseas.
In the UK, for example, the role of Special Representative might take His Royal Highness to a particular region of the UK. A Private Secretary will usually accompany HRH on up to five engagements per day, which could include a visit to a large manufacturing plant, a small hi-tech firm or an overseas investor in the UK. A recent visit to South Wales, for example, started at the UK Intellectual Property Office in Newport before moving on to several large aviation and electronics companies.
Overseas, The Duke of York starts work at 8am with a small team and, usually, the British High Commissioner or Ambassador of the country in which the visit is being held. The team discuss the engagements for the day and particular points to be made at each venue. For example, during an overseas visit HRH will often visit the Head of State and Head of Government, and the Trade or Foreign Ministers.
Before every overseas visit, the Duke receives a comprehensive briefing of both general and specific trade-related issues to be discussed. These are organised by His Royal Highness’s Private Office at Buckingham Palace in consultation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI) and British businesses.
In the UK or overseas, The Duke of York usually attends a business lunch with, perhaps, a dozen or more people. These are often hosted by a particular company, organisation or business council. His Royal Highness also hosts a number of themed lunches on key business areas for the UK.
Overseas visits are usually fast-paced, with a series of meetings and site visits designed to make the most of the short time available in-country. Programmes overseas are often quite fluid, with extra events inserted at the last minute. There are meetings with overseas companies wishing to invest in the UK, or British companies with an issue which needs resolution where His Royal Highness’s intervention might be helpful. Ministerial meetings usually last between 30 and 60 minutes. Site visits can last up to several hours.
The Duke of York visits between 15 and 20 countries every year in support of British business abroad. In 2007 he visited all five continents. Much of his work focuses on the UK’s priority business sectors such as oil and gas exploration, the aviation industry, banking and infrastructure and construction. While he does not “sign deals” on behalf of British companies, his lobbying and support is frequently an important part of the discussion process leading to the winning of overseas projects worth hundreds of millions of pounds.
In the UK, senior executives will regularly call on the Duke at Buckingham Palace to update His Royal Highness on their business strategy or provide him with advice and briefing for a particular event.
In addition to his responsibilities as Special Representative, His Royal Highness is Patron of more than 100 organisations. He is, for example, the Executive Chairman of the charity Outward Bound. He was also patron of the NSPCC Full Stop Campaign, which was one of the most successful fundraising campaigns by a British charity.
The Duke of York also performs numerous ceremonial and military duties as Colonel-in-Chief or Royal Colonel of nine British and Commonwealth Army Regiments, Commodore-in-Chief of The Fleet Air Arm and Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Lossiemouth.
Overseas, His Royal Highness’s engagements usually conclude with a reception or dinner hosted, again, by a company, organisation, or the British Ambassador or High Commissioner. The final engagement tends to finish by 10.30pm. These are often occasions at which The Duke of York is able to talk informally with members of the host government about points raised during the course of the day.
In the UK, the Duke might attend a Regimental Dinner or host a small group associated with a charity or business event.
The end of an overseas visit is the point at which only half the work is done. Back at Buckingham Palace, the Duke will meet with ministers, officials and companies to deliver the key messages and lessons learned from the visit.