In a delightful twist of royal encounters, Princess Anne recently received a curtsy lesson from an unexpected teacher—a spirited four-year-old girl.
This heartwarming moment unfolded during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where the Princess Royal was busy bestowing an honorary knighthood upon Sir Philip Bobbitt, an esteemed American academic known for his contributions to constitutional law and international security.
The event took place on a Friday, and it was a significant occasion not just for Sir Philip, but also for the enduring relationship between the UK and the USA.
The 76-year-old professor, who teaches at Columbia University School of Law, is well-respected in both countries for his expertise and scholarship.
After the ceremony, Sir Philip shared a charming anecdote about his previous encounter with Princess Anne in New York.
He recalled how one of his twin daughters, then just four years old, had taken it upon herself to demonstrate the art of curtsying to the royal.
“My daughter curtsied when she met the Princess Royal,” he reminisced, clearly amused by the memory.
The little girl’s curtsy had impressed Princess Anne, who praised her technique.
“You see, it’s all in the back,” the young girl had confidently explained, emphasizing the importance of standing tall while performing the gesture.
“I could show you,” she added, showcasing her eagerness to teach the royal a thing or two about proper etiquette.
This lighthearted exchange highlights the unique charm that often accompanies royal interactions.
Sir Philip, affectionately nicknamed the “James Bond of Columbia Law” by the New York Observer, expressed his gratitude for being honored with the title of honorary knight commander of the Order of the British Empire.
He noted that receiving such recognition feels like representing countless Americans who value the Anglo-American alliance.
“It’s an enormous honor, of course,” he said, reflecting on the weight of the accolade.
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