Henry served in the army during World War II and was knighted by George VI.
On October 24, 1931, Henry married Lady May Cambridge (born Her Serene Highness Princess May of Teck), a daughter of the Earl of Athlone and Her Royal Highness Princess Alice of Albany, Countess of Athlone. They had three children together.
Sir Henry was appointed as the Governor of Queensland, the representative of the British Crown in that state from March 18 1958 to March 181966.
Sir Henry Abel Smith died on January 24 1993. His funeral service took place at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle. His remains were burried at the Frogmore Burial Ground.