Andrew Mountbatten Windsor experienced a stark change in treatment upon his return to Windsor Castle for the first time since being stripped of his prince title, it has been reported.
Andrew, who was once accustomed to deferential treatment from staff, found guards at Windsor Castle seemingly enjoying reminding him of his new status.
Ephraim Hardcastle of the Daily Mail suggests that any previous signs of respect he commanded have “disappeared” within the walls of Windsor Castle. This follows Buckingham Palace’s decision to officially remove the royal titles from the King’s brother due to his controversial association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Hardcastle wrote: “It’s all change at Windsor Castle. On his first visit since his title defenestration, the former prince was not saluted by guards.
“The customary bows he was offered at every turn (and woe betide anyone who forgot) have disappeared. Some even relished calling him Mr Mountbatten Windsor, instead of Your Royal Highness,” reports the Daily Mirror.
“But there was worse in store for the fallen HRH. His privilege of having meals sent over from the Castle, a Royal Deliveroo, has been withdrawn.”
Last month, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Andrew would lose his prince title and he and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson would be vacating the expansive Royal Lodge property on the Windsor estate.
This followed his previous relinquishment of other royal titles, including the Duke of York.
He consented to vacate Royal Lodge as his links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein persist in generating scandal.
The Palace announced: “Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence.
“Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation.
“These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.”
Andrew maintains his denial of the accusations levelled against him.
His moniker could be set to alter once more, however. The Times reports that the unhyphenated version of the surname was settled upon with Andrew and reflected his personal wishes.
Nevertheless, sources informed the newspaper that the Palace is currently considering introducing the hyphen in accordance with established practice and, significantly, the late Queen’s wishes.
This emerges after a fresh publication alleged King Charles vetoed Andrew’s ‘outlandish’ £32,000 demand that the Queen had previously sanctioned.
Andrew sought to spend the enormous amount to enable spiritual Indian gurus to minister to him whilst he remained at his residence, according to writer Robert Jobson in The Windsor Legacy: A Royal Dynasty.
He penned: “The palace began to shift, not loudly, but unmistakably. His mark was there, quiet but undeniable. ‘This isn’t about financial cuts,’ one senior insider explained. ‘It’s about getting value for money and efficiency. Sometimes less truly is more.'”