In the world of British royalty, childhood antics often become charming family lore. For Prince Andrew (full name Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor), his early years were marked by a playful yet mischievous streak that earned him a memorable—and somewhat unflattering—nickname from the woman who helped raise him.
Mabel Anderson, the long-serving royal nanny who cared for Queen Elizabeth II’s children—including the current King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward—famously dubbed the young prince “young imp”. Now 100 years old, Anderson’s affectionate yet pointed label has resurfaced in recent reports, highlighting Andrew’s reputation as a handful in the Buckingham Palace nursery.
The nickname stemmed directly from Andrew’s penchant for pranks and mischief. According to accounts drawn from royal biographies and insider recollections, the young royal was always “getting up to mischief.” Examples include removing all the valves from Mabel’s radio, tying the shoelaces of palace sentries together, and even pouring itching powder into the Queen’s bed. Such antics led Anderson to describe him as a classic “young imp”—a term evoking a cheeky, devilish rascal full of energy and troublemaking spirit.
While “young imp” is relatively mild compared to some of the harsher monikers Andrew has faced in adulthood, it was seen as unflattering in the context of his obstinate and prank-pulling behavior. Some sources also mention an alternative or additional nickname from Anderson: “Baby Grumpling”, reserved for moments of temper tantrums and stubbornness. Together, these reflect a lively, sometimes challenging child who could test even the most patient caregiver.
Anderson, who served the royal family for many years, formed close bonds with the children she looked after. She was particularly noted for her role as a maternal figure to King Charles, but she doted on Andrew as well—describing him as one of the “bonniest” of the royal babies. Yet she once observed that “no nursery could contain two Prince Andrews,” a wry comment on his energetic personality.
These glimpses into Andrew’s early life have re-emerged amid broader discussions of his upbringing and later controversies. The stories paint a picture of a spirited boy whose playful naughtiness was endearing in childhood but has been reframed in light of his adult reputation.
Today, the former Duke of York lives a quieter life, but tales from his nursery days continue to offer a humanizing—albeit teasing—look back at the royals’ formative years.
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