Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been stripped of his prince title by his older brother, the King, while Princess Beatrice and Eugenie retain their royal titles
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor faces an “awkward” problem when he next meets Princess Beatrice and Eugenie. The King’s younger brother was stripped of his royal titles last week as he continues to face scrutiny over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew, 65, had already handed back his Duke of York title after consultation with the King and Prince William. He had already stepped back from public duties following a disastrous Newsnight interview in 2019, where he faced criticism over his ties to Epstein.
Now, stripped of his royal titles, the Daily Mail’s Ephraim Hardcastle column says Andrew will face a difficult moment when he next meets his daughters, who are set to keep their own royal ranks. The columnist writes: “Andrew, reduced to the rank of commoner, finds himself in the awkward position of having to bow to the rest of the family – including his own daughters.”
It goes on to say that Andrew was reportedly “quite boorish” to Princess Kate when she was first introduced to the royals. It adds: “A firm believer in the exalted status of blue blood, Andrew didn’t exactly make Kate feel welcome, insisting on deference and curtsies from the awkward newcomer. Kate may be forgiven for enjoying a little schadenfreude just now.”
Royal biographer Robert Hardman believes Andrew will “probably” bow when greeting his daughters. Speaking on the Daily Mail’s Palace Confidential podcast, he said: “He will have to bow to everybody that’s assuming he’s in the room with the rest of the family.”
When asked if he would be “happy” with that, Hardman added: “No I don’t. I don’t think he will be in any hurry to change that sort of thing.”
The Royal Family website says there are no “obligatory codes” for greeting a member of The Firm. Although it acknowledges that “many people wish to observe the traditional forms”.
Traditionally men would bow – from the neck down – when greeting a royal or would offer a handshake in the usual manner. Women meanwhile usually curtsy when greeting the royals.
Kate, as the Princess of Wales, is considered one of the most high-ranking members of the Royal Family. While she used to curtsy to Beatrice and Eugenie when meeting them alone, the Daily Express reports she now only extends the gesture to two royals.
Kate is said to curtsy for her father-in-law, The King as well as Queen Camilla. Prince William is also reported to bow when he meets the King and Queen, reports The Express .
During the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte in July, Kate was spotted curtseying four times in relatively quick succession.
According to the Royal Insider the move was seen as a “masterclass in showing profound respect on the world stage.”
Kate was initially seen dipping into the curtsy twice as the King spoke to Macron. She later curtseyed to both the King and Queen individually, with the latter also kissing Kate on the cheek.
