Prince Andrew becomes first UK royal on Twitter

LONDON — Twitter is now a bit more royal.

Britain's Prince Andrew has joined the micro-blogging service as @TheDukeOfYork.

Welcome to my Twitter account - AY

— The Duke of York (@TheDukeOfYork) July 8, 2013

Within hours of opening the account Monday, Andrew had more than 10,000 followers — but also had received several abusive comments.

The son of Queen Elizabeth II has served as a navy helicopter pilot and a British business ambassador, and is following charities, arts organizations and the Hunstanton Golf Club on Twitter.

So far he is was not following his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, who tweets as @SarahTheDuchess.

The British monarchy has two official Twitter accounts, but Andrew is the first family member to tweet in a personal capacity, signing messages he has written AY.

Asked about abusive tweets Andrew had received, a palace spokesman said the duke is a champion of free speech.