Andrew’s ‘ludicrous’ request to landlady in her own home showed his true colours

Andrew was reportedly left furious after being told he must be addressed as ‘His Royal Highness’ in casual social settings – even in his own home

A compromising email sent to multimillionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein did more than seal Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s downfall — it also exposed the former prince’s deep attachment to his now-lost royal titles.

The 2011 correspondence, in which Andrew reaffirmed his support for the convicted sex trafficker, bore the signature: “A, HRH The Duke of York, KG,” deliberately emphasising his position within the royal family.

It also appears that Andrew was a stickler for royal etiquette — even in the most casual social settings.

After his 1996 divorce from Sarah Ferguson, Andrew was introduced by Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell to Australian PR executive Emma Gibbs.

While he maintained a relaxed rapport with “Gibbsy,” as she was called, he reportedly took a far more formal approach with her landlady.

The owner of the luxurious Chelsea property was said to be “very narked off” after being told she must curtsy to the then-prince during his frequent visits.

According to the Daily Mail’s Richard Eden, the “glamorous continental woman,” who had rented one of the four bedrooms in her home to Ms Gibbs, was astonished to learn she was expected to show deference to her royal guest.

“She was very narked off about the fact that she was being told to curtsy in her own home,” a source claimed. “Gibbsy was her lodger. It was absolutely ludicrous, frankly. It really shows that he thought he was above the law.”

Reports suggest the disgraced duke continues to enforce royal protocol at Royal Lodge, where he still resides despite being stripped of his titles by his brother, King Charles.

Celebrity reporter Rob Shuter quotes a member of Andrew’s household staff: “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 source added that Andrew continues to use his title in private: “He insists it’s his birthright — not something the King can erase.”

While “Gibbsy,” now known by her married name Emma Farah, had only a brief liaison with the divorced prince, she has retained some royal connections.

During her time working for luxury florist Rob Van Helden, she helped design the stunning jasmine, sweet pea, rose and myrtle arch created for Princess Beatrice’s wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in 2020.

The couple walked beneath the floral display as they left the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Speaking to candlemaker Victoria Cator, Farah said: “Having worked for Rob Van Helden for nearly 18 years, I have seen some incredible events produced all around the world, but my favourite wedding arch of all is the one we created for HRH Princess Beatrice of York and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.”