Prince Andrew has followed our company closely as we have carved out overseas markets using the lead in Digital radio technology provided by our UK base. We are a small company and it is impossible to underestimate the morale boosting and PR power of his keen and well informed interest. He seems to me to both understand the challenges of broadcast technology businesses and have a real passion to promote the skills of UK Plc around the world. He is a valuable asset in helping the UK to sell itself overseas and promote areas of excellence. We are delighted he has taken a particular interest in our story.
Simon Cole
Chief Executive, Unique Interactive
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 has always enjoyed sport. At Heatherdown, he played cricket, rugby and soccer, earning his cricket colours and representing the school at both rugby and cricket. At Gordonstoun he continued to play cricket and rugby as well as field hockey. He captained the Gordonstoun 1st cricket team in his last year.
At Lakefield College School in Canada, he skied for the school. Prince Andrew continued to play hockey briefly for BRNC Dartmouth and he played squash for various ships’ teams. Whilst at Gordonstoun, His Royal Highness began his passion for flying by learning to fly a glider with the Air Training Corps and also, along with Prince Charles, learnt to parachute, earning his Parachutist’s badge from the Royal Air Force prior to joining the Royal Navy.
The Duke has in more recent years taken up golf. His Royal Highness is now working on behalf of the game to ensure that as many can participate and play as possible.
He is Patron of The Golf Foundation, which aims to give people the opportunity to start playing golf. He is President of the Faldo Junior Series, a competition amongst junior golfers around the country, culminating in a final at a prestigious golf course. He has his own Tournament for Junior Champions, encouraging young players in the game. On the administration side, he is a member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and sits on its Amateur Status Committee. He was Captain of the Club in its 250th anniversary season of 2003/4. He maintains close links with the professional game through the Professional Golfers Association and the PGA European Tour.
As well as being Patron of a number of Royal Golf Clubs he is an honorary member of many others.
Frost over the World – For the last seven years Prince Andrew has been the UK’s ‘special representative for international trade and investment’. In this role he travels the world promoting British business.