Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's controversial email to the convicted multimillionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein did more than just seal his fate; it also starkly revealed the former prince's deep-seated attachment to his royal titles. In the 2011 message, where Andrew reaffirmed his support for the convicted sex trafficker, he pointedly emphasized his elevated status, signing off with: "A, HRH The Duke of York, KG".

This adherence to royal protocol, even in the most casual social settings, was a recurring theme. Following his 1996 divorce from Sarah Ferguson, the former Duke of York was introduced by Epstein’s companion Ghislaine Maxwell to Australian PR executive Emma Gibbs. While Andrew was reportedly on easy terms with "Gibbsy," he maintained a much more formal demeanor with her landlady. The owner of the plush Chelsea property, who had rented one of her four bedrooms to Ms Gibbs, was reportedly "very narked off" after being instructed that she must curtsy to the then-prince during his regular visits, as reported by the Mirror.

The Daily Mail’s Richard Eden further reported on this incident, noting that the "glamorous continental woman" was "gobsmacked" to be told she should pay deference to her guest. A source claimed: "She was very narked off about the fact that she was being told to curtsy in her own home. Gibbsy was her lodger. It was absolutely ludicrous, frankly. It really shows that he thought he was above the law.”

Reports indicate that Andrew continues to insist on royal protocol being carried out within the Royal Lodge, his residence, despite being stripped of his titles by his brother, King Charles. Celebrity reporter Rob Shuter quoted a member of Andrew’s staff as stating: “Nothing has changed inside Royal Lodge – the butler still says ‘Your Royal Highness,’ and the staff still bow. Andrew’s made it clear that palace rules don’t apply inside his walls.”

The insider further added that Andrew persists in using his title behind closed doors, declaring: “He insists it’s his birthright — not something the King can erase.”

Meanwhile, "Gibbsy," now known by her married name of Emma Farah, maintained some royal connections despite her short romance with the divorced prince. While working for luxury florist Rob Van Helden for nearly 18 years, she contributed to creating the spectacular jasmine, sweet pea, rose, and myrtle arch for Princess Beatrice’s wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in 2020. The couple walked beneath this floral display as they departed the Royal Chapel of All Saints at the Royal Lodge in Windsor. Speaking to candlemaker Victoria Cator, Farah expressed her admiration: “Having worked for Rob Van Helden for nearly 18 years, I have seen some incredible events produced all around the world. But my most favourite wedding arch is the one we created for HRH Princess Beatrice of York and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.”