The Duke of York supports Her Majesty The Queen as Head of State by representing Her Majesty in the UK and abroad, receiving heads of state and government, and attending state and ceremonial occasions.
In 2012, as part of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, The Duke represented Her Majesty on a visit to India. The Queen has always been committed to the Commonwealth and its members, and visits on behalf of Her Majesty to Commonwealth countries, particularly realms, have been vital over the years. HRH undertook his first overseas Royal engagement in 1979, when he accompanied The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh on a visit to Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, and Malawi. The Duke maintains overseas links, most recently receiving the President of Malawi at Buckingham Palace on her official visit to the UK.
HRH has close personal links to the Armed Services and holds a number of senior military appointments.
The Duke also works to recognise the importance of service and the voluntary sector, supporting and acting as Patron of a number of charitable organisations.