Duff was born at Fetteresso Castle, Stonehaven, Kincardineshire, son of Arthur Duff (grandson of Robert Duff) and his wife Elizabeth Innes, daughter of John Innes of Kincardine. He was educated at Blackheath School, London. He entered the Royal Navy in 1848, and was made a commander in 1865.[2] He was a Deputy Lieutenant and J.P. for Banffshire (from April 1894[3]) and Kincardineshire (from January 1900[4]).
Arrival of Governor Sir Robert Duff, Circular Quay, Sydney, June 1893
Duff was appointed Governor of New South Wales in March 1893 and was subsequently awarded the GCMG. He reached Sydney to take up his duties on 29 May 1893.
His term of office was chiefly marked by his permitting the premier, Sir George Dibbs, to obtain the prorogation of parliament on 8 December 1893, after that minister had incurred a vote of censure.
In July 1894, after his ministry had failed to carry the general election, Dibbs desired Duff to nominate several persons to the legislative council on his recommendation.
Duff declined to accede to his wish on the ground that the ministry had been condemned by the colony, and in consequence, Dibbs and his colleagues resigned.[7]
In February 1895, he became ill while visiting Hobart and returned to Government House in Sydney, where he died of multiple liver abscesses and sepsis on 15 March, shortly before his 60th birthday. He was interred in Waverley Cemetery.[6]
On 21 February 1871, Duff married Louisa, youngest daughter of Sir William Scott, ninth bart. of Ancrum in Roxburghshire. By her, he had three sons, the eldest Robert William, and four daughters.[7]
