Princess Anne’s Delightful Curtsy Lesson from a 4-Year-Old

In a charming twist of royal encounters, Princess Anne found herself learning the art of curtsying 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 honoring American academic Sir Philip Bobbitt for his contributions to UK-USA relations.

The event took place on a Friday, and it was quite the occasion.

Sir Philip Bobbitt, a well-regarded professor at Columbia University School of Law, received an honorary knighthood for his extensive work in constitutional law and international security.

Known for his insightful contributions to legal scholarship, Bobbitt has made quite a name for himself, not just in the United Kingdom but around the globe.

After the ceremony, Sir Philip shared a delightful anecdote about his previous encounter with Princess Anne.

He recalled a memorable meeting in New York where one of his twin daughters had given the royal a lesson in curtsying.

“One of my twins, who was just four at the time, curtsied when I introduced her to the Princess Royal,” he reminisced.

The young girl's graceful gesture had even garnered praise from Anne herself.

“It's all about keeping your back straight,” the little girl reportedly instructed the Princess, demonstrating her technique with the confidence only a child can muster.

Sir Philip added, “I could show you how to do it,” reflecting on the innocence and charm of that moment.

It's not every day that a royal learns from a child, making this story all the more endearing.

Sir Philip, often dubbed the “James Bond of Columbia Law” by the New York Observer, expressed immense gratitude for his newly bestowed title as an honorary knight commander of the Order of the British Empire.

“It's a huge honor, of course,” he said, clearly moved by the recognition.

But he emphasized that this accolade represents more than just personal achievement.

“I am merely a proxy for the millions of Americans dedicated to the Anglo-American alliance,” he remarked.