The Duke of York finally jumps ship and signs off from the Royal Navy this week with a farewell lunch aboard the aircraft carrier Ark Royal.

After a career spanning 22 years, during which he rose to the rank of Commander, the Prince is now adjusting to civilian life and his new role as roving ambassador for British Trade International, a government organisation responsible for the development of overseas trade and investment.

During his years of active service, nothing made a greater impact on the Queen’s second son than the Falklands Conflict. “The Falklands War was 99 per cent boredom and one per cent terror,” he says. “There were very, very short moments when one thought, ‘Is this sensible?’ Then you just got on with it.”

In contrast to the Falklands Conflict, Prince Andrew says taking command of his own ship was the most enjoyable time. “Driving my ship was the highlight. Coming to take command was dead easy. The really nervous bit is when you have to take the ship to sea. There are a lot of people wandering around saying, ‘He’s going to make a hash of it.’”

For more on Prince Andrew as a new career beckons for the naval commander, see this week’s HELLO! magazine, on sale now