Prince Andrew, Duke of York, is a British royal — the second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip — born 19 February 1960, who served as a naval officer and later held various public and charitable roles before largely withdrawing from public duties following controversy over his associations and conduct. [1] Andrew trained at Britannia Royal Naval College and served in the Royal Navy from 1979 to 2001, including active service during the 1982 Falklands War, for which he received recognition and later held honorary military appointments and patronages linked to the armed forces and industry. [1] As a working royal he undertook diplomatic, trade-promotion and charity engagements on behalf of the monarchy for decades and was known for patronages in science, technology and youth entrepreneurship. [1] His wider public profile shifted dramatically after revelations about his relationship with financier Jeffrey Epstein and related allegations, which led to intense media scrutiny, legal action and the loss of most royal patronages and public duties; the scandal prompted the royal household to state that he would no longer undertake public responsibilities in an official capacity. [1][3] In recent years Andrew has been the subject of investigative biographies and media coverage that re-examine his naval career, business links and personal conduct; these works combine new reporting, public records and interviews to assess his role within the royal family and the impact of the Epstein association on his reputation. [1][2][3] Legally and publicly, his situation has included litigation and settlements connected to allegations arising from the Epstein case, and the episode remains the principal factor in his current relevance: he is now primarily a private figure with limited public presence, and public discussion centers on accountability, institutional responses and the broader implications for the monarchy. [1][3]