Duke of York to leave Navy

The Duke of York took command of HMS Cottesmore

The Duke of York has confirmed that he is to leave the Navy tpo become a roving ambassador for British business abroad.

The 40-year-old naval commander will represent British Trade International (BTI), the government organisation responsible for the development and promotion of overseas trade and investment.

The Duke's role with BTI, formerly the British Overseas Trade Board, will include leading trade missions, receiving prominent foreign trade and investment visitors, and working with UK regions in support of national business objectives.

As a front-line Sea King anti-submarine warfare helicopter pilot, the Duke saw action aboard HMS Invincible during the 1982 Falklands War with Argentina in the South Atlantic.

The invitation to participate in the work of British Trade International is an opportunity and challenge that I could not refuse

The Duke of York

Announcing his decision after 22 years with the Royal Navy, the Duke said: "There comes a time when all good things have to come to an end.

"I have greatly enjoyed my service in the Navy and am sad at the prospect of leaving.

"However, the invitation to participate in the work of British Trade International is an opportunity and challenge that I could not refuse."

The Duke of York takes over the BTI role from the Duke of Kent who, at 65, is stepping down as the organisation's vice-chairman in April.

Important task

The Duke of Kent said: "It was my privilege to play an active role in the global promotion of British trade and investment for the past 25 years.

"I have greatly enjoyed this work but feel it is now time for someone else to take on this important task and I am delighted that it should be the Duke of York."

Foreign Secretary Robin Cook and Trade Secretary Stephen Byers said in a joint statement: "We are grateful to His Royal Highness for taking on this important new role.

"With his profile and experience he will add valuable impetus to British Trade International's developing trade and investment activities, both at home and overseas.

Inward investment

"With the continuing development of a global and increasingly skills-based economy, the benefits of trade and inward investment to UK companies and UK plc become ever more valuable.

"We would like to put on record our appreciation of the tremendous work undertaken by the Duke of Kent on behalf of BTI in promoting British business success overseas, and we very much welcome the Royal Family's continued interest in this area."

In August, the Duke of York also took over the Duke of Kent's role as patron of the Football Association.

The Duke of York joined the Navy in September 1979 as a short career pilot and was awarded best student pilot of 705 Squadron.

Assumed command

After duties as flight pilot aboard HMS Invincible, HMS Brazen, flight commander on HMS Campbleton and bridge watchkeeper training on HMS Edinburgh, he assumed command of HMS Cottesmore in April 1993.

The Duke was appointed senior pilot of 815 Squadron in February 1995 and from January 1997 worked as Lynx helicopter policy desk officer.

In April 1999 he was promoted to Commander and appointed to the Whitehall-based job within the diplomacy section of the naval staff at the Ministry of Defence.

The Duke will relinquish this position at Easter 2001.

After he formally leaves the Navy at the end of July, he will maintain links, in a Royal capacity, with the senior service.