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Princess Anne's 'No Handshake' Rule Explained
23 Aug
Summary
- Princess Anne avoids shaking hands, adhering to older royal protocol.
- She finds modern technology and photo-taking at events peculiar.
- Unlike her mother, Zara Tindall is a tactile royal who embraces relatives.
Princess Anne, recognized for her considerable commitment to royal engagements, maintains a distinct public persona by refraining from shaking hands with well-wishers.
In a 2018 documentary, the Princess Royal elaborated on this practice, noting that the traditional approach was to not initiate handshakes, a custom she largely continues. She views the modern trend of extensive handshaking as having shifted the focus from genuine engagement.
Furthermore, Princess Anne expressed discomfort with prevalent modern technology, particularly smartphones and iPads, finding the widespread desire for photographs at events to be unusual. She contrasted her reserved nature with that of her daughter, Zara Tindall, whom royal experts describe as notably affectionate and tactile.
This personal preference for a more private demeanor aligns with a historical royal emphasis on a 'hands-off' approach, a style royal expert Judi James notes as influencing Anne's reserved conduct.
