Prince Andreu Says It's “Strange” to “Turn the Camera” on Royal Fans in Re-released Christmas Video

Being part of the royal family means greeting excited crowds on a regular basis, and in today's digital age, that usually means fans want to record (and share) their regal run-ins for social media. Everyone from Queen Camilla to Prince William has relaxed royal protocol by posing for selfies, but Prince Andrew doesn't seem to be on board with the phone culture.

An Instagram video shared by the Daily Mail's royal account shows the Duke of York meeting with the public at the Royal Family Christmas Walk in 2023. Prince Andrew, who was on his way back from the church of St. Mary Magdalene at Sandringham Manor, stops to talk to a group and asks why everyone is recording him.

“I find it fascinating. Why is everyone wearing a camera?” he asks with a puzzled look on his face. Before Prince Andrew can continue his question, he hears laughter and a voice behind him saying, “I'm videotaping you.”

“But why' Why do that?” he asks.

“We're not a news organization!” One woman replies.

“Not if you are a reporter or not, just why, why video?” And. Prince Andrew continues, looking really confused. A woman's voice explains, “It's a beautiful moment.”

But that didn't seem to satisfy the Duke of York, who tells a group of fans who have been waiting in the cold for hours to catch a glimpse of the royal family, “Stand on this side and see what it's like.”

Prince Andreou continues that it looks like “the camera is on you. He then shakes off a bouquet of flowers before walking away, saying, “It's a really strange feeling,” and “It's nice to see you.”

In response to the Daily Mail's post, a commenter wrote: “He's trying to control the crowd. He makes me shudder.

“I feel like he is trying to be like his late father and Princess Anne, teasing and provoking, but actually trying to be charming and humorous. He tries to be funny, but fails miserably,” commented a second fan. Another Instagrammer added, “It must be frustrating to have the lens constantly pointed at you, but that's part of the deal.”

Also, “He probably has a hard time understanding why people can't enjoy seeing the royal family without taking pictures of it to brag about on social media - that's what they did there.” Others defended the Duke of York, such as one social media user who wrote.

“I'm not a fan of his, but what he is saying is not crazy,” wrote a second royal watcher.

“Saying this is probably something all celebrities want to hear but don't because they are too polite to ask. Why videotape everything?”

Queen Elizabeth shared the same sentiment with her son about cameras, and in Craig Brown's Q: A Voyage Around the Queen, it is written that the late monarch disliked people holding up cell phones when meeting her. I miss their eyes,” she mused.

But like Prince William, the younger members of the royal family seem to enjoy interacting with technology.

As for this year, Andrew doesn't have to worry about cameras in his face. According to multiple reports, Lord York will miss the royal family's Christmas gathering amid the recent “Chinese spy” scandal.