*   Duke's Bio

Duke grew up in the custody of his mother, Lee Ann, away from Llanview. His father Kevin was not an active part of Duke's life growing up, leading to a strain between the two. Duke returned to town in 2004 to attend business school. He arrived just in time to watch his father take part in a bitter custody battle with ex-wife Kelly Cramer. Duke was disappointed with his father's decision to take his younger sibling Ace away from his mother, and decided to testify for Kelly. This intensified the rift between Duke and his father, and Kevin was shocked by Duke's lack of support. When Ace was kidnapped, Duke helped Kelly search for the boy. He was shocked when Kelly confessed that Ace was neither Kevin nor Kelly's, but rather had been kidnapped by his biological mother. Duke helped Kelly return Ace to his mother, Babe, and clashed with his father by supporting Babe (and Kelly's) position when Ace was found by the authorities. Kevin sued for custody of Ace, and despite their differences of opinion, Duke testified what a good man Kevin was. Kevin was convinced by Kelly to give up claim to Ace, and advocated the baby stay with Babe. When Duke came face to face with Adriana Cramer he was instantly taken with her. Adriana was hesitant to get involved with Duke, but eventually agreed to pursue a relationship with him. Dorian Lord, Adrian's mother, was not thrilled to see her daughter involved with a Buchanan. Despite the rivalry between their families, Duke and Adriana have continued to date.