In the UK or overseas, the Duke usually attends a business lunch with, perhaps, a dozen or more people. These are often hosted by a particular company, organisation or Business Council.

Overseas visits are usually fast-paced, with a series of meetings and site visits designed to make the most of the short time available in-country. Programmes overseas are often quite fluid, with extra meetings inserted at the last minute, and others moved to make way for engagements which have under- or overrun. Ministerial meetings usually last between 30 and 60 minutes. Site visits can last up to several hours.

The Duke visits between fifteen and twenty countries every year in support of British business abroad. Much of his work focuses on sectors such as oil and gas exploration, the aviation industry, banking and infrastructure and construction. While he does not “sign deals” on behalf of British companies, his lobbying and support is frequently instrumental in projects worth hundreds of millions of pounds.

In addition to his responsibilities as Special Representative, the Duke holds more than 100 patronages. He is, for example, very actively involved with the charity Outward Bound, of which he succeeded The Duke of Edinburgh as Chairman of Trustees in 1999.

He also performs numerous ceremonial and military duties as Colonel-in-Chief or Royal Colonel of nine British and Commonwealth Army Regiments, Commodore-in-Chief of The Fleet Air Arm and Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Lossiemouth.