His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, The Duke of York

It is customary for senior officers in the British Army to make a contribution to the officers’ mess. Colonel James Tanner of the Staffordshire Regiment decided to commission a portrait of the Honorary Colonel-in-Chief, His Royal Highness The Duke of York. Sittings were arranged at Buckingham Palace, and the Duke duly arrived in full uniform for the 1½ hour sessions.

His Royal Highness paid me the honour of unveiling the picture at Tidworth in the officers’ mess, a ceremony at which Colonel Tanner formally handed over his gift.