What are the role and responsibilities of The Duke of York?
The Duke works to assist the economic success of, and the creation of skilled jobs in, the United Kingdom. HRH concentrates his efforts on three core areas where he believes he can have the largest impact: education and skills, science and engineering, and SMEs and entrepreneurship.
The Duke also supports many charitable and not-for-profit organisations described in the Patronages section of this website. This work can include visiting schools, colleges, businesses, and other organisations; meeting relevant individuals and groups; convening discussions and receptions; attending conferences; and giving speeches.
Part of the work of The Duke of York, as a member of the Royal Family, is to support Her Majesty The Queen by representing Her Majesty in the UK and abroad, receiving heads of state and government, and attending state and ceremonial occasions
How many engagements does The Duke of York undertake every day?
All engagements are listed in the Court Circular. The number of engagements varies significantly according to the type and location but can range from 1 to 8 per day. In 2012 HRH undertook 582 engagements across the year. The Duke also holds regular meetings to plan his programme. For more information on past visits, please see facts and figures.
How is The Duke of York’s programme of overseas visits determined?
The programme of Official overseas visits for all Members of the Royal Family is determined in consultation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), and approved by the Royal Visits Committee. The Royal Visits Committee is a FCO Committee, chaired by the Permanent Under-Secretary. All Official overseas visits are in support of Her Majesty’s Government’s objectives.
How are The Duke’s overseas visits funded?
As with all Members of the Royal Family, Official overseas visits are funded by the Sovereign Grant, details of which are available on www.royal.gov.uk.
Does The Duke of York receive a salary?
No. The Duke does receive a Royal Navy pension commensurate with his rank upon retirement from Active Service.
How is The Duke’s office and official duties paid for?
HRH’s office and the expenses incurred from carrying out official duties continue to be paid by The Queen from Her Majesty’s private income. As with all Members of the Royal Family, The Duke’s travel on UK visits is organised by the Royal Travel Office and funded by the Sovereign Grant.
Does The Duke of York pay tax?
Yes. HRH pays UK taxes.
How is The Duke of York’s travel within the UK paid for?
As with all Members of the Royal Family, The Duke’s travel on UK visits is organised by the Royal Travel Office and funded by the Sovereign Grant. For further information on the Sovereign Grant please see www.royal.gov.uk.
Does The Duke of York receive funding from The Civil List?
The Civil List was replaced with the Sovereign Grant from Financial Year 2012-13. HRH did not receive Civil List funding.
Does The Duke of York receive funding from a Parliamentary Annuity?
No. The Duke does not receive any Parliamentary funding.
Following the introduction of the Sovereign Grant parliamentary annuities ceased. HRH’s office and the expenses incurred from carrying out official duties continue to be paid by The Queen from Her Majesty’s private income. For further information on the Sovereign Grant please see www.royal.gov.uk.
How many staff are employed by The Duke of York?
The Duke has a team of eight full time staff who are based at Buckingham Palace. In addition, HRH has two secondees from business. The costs of maintaining his office is met by private funds, as set out above.
How do The Duke of York’s staff support him and his family?
The office at Buckingham Palace organises programmes for The Duke, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, including away days, visits, seminars, conferences, receptions, meetings and briefings.
What are the role and responsibilities of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie?
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are both pursuing full time careers. Princess Beatrice works full time in finance and Princess Eugenie is developing a career in the art world. In addition, Their Royal Highnesses continue to support The Queen and The Duke of York when requested or required.
Who pays Princesses Beatrice and Princess Eugenie’s costs?
The Duke supports both of his daughters financially from his private income.
Do Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have an office?
The Duke’s office supports Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
Does The Duke of York still fly helicopters?
Yes. HRH holds a helicopter licence.
Where does The Duke of York live?
In 2005, The Duke’s family moved to Royal Lodge, Windsor Great Park. Royal Lodge was previously the home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and is where The Queen lived as a child, when King George VI was The Duke of York.
HRH has an apartment adjacent to his office at Buckingham Palace which he uses when in London.
Does The Duke of York smoke and drink?
The Duke neither smokes nor drinks alcohol.
