The Duke of Gloucester is the second son of the late Duke of Gloucester and the late Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester. He is a grandson of George V and a first cousin to The Queen.

He became heir to his father's titles following the death of his elder brother, Prince William of Gloucester, in a flying accident on 28 August 1972. He succeeded his father in June 1974.

Having trained as an architect, The Duke of Gloucester has carried out full-time Royal duties since the 1970s. He supports a large number of organisations, including many in the fields of architecture, healthcare and cultural relations.

He holds several military appointments, and carries out official duties in the UK and overseas on behalf of The Queen.