A pair of leather flying gloves worn by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor during the Falklands War failed to attract any bids at auction, as his notoriety appears to have deterred potential buyers.
Auction Flop
The gloves, which were signed and donated after his service as a helicopter co-pilot in the Royal Navy, were expected to sell for between £1,000 and £2,000. However, auctioneers Reeman Dansie in Colchester reported that there was no interest and no bids. A spokesperson said, 'In the past items connected to Andrew have done well but his current lack of popularity shone through in this sale.'
Princess Diana Letter Sells
In contrast, a letter written by Princess Diana sold for £5,330 at the same auction.
Andrew's Falklands Service
Andrew served as a Sea King helicopter co-pilot with the Royal Navy during the Falklands War, which lasted from April 2 to June 14, 1982. However, after his royal status was revoked last year, his name was removed from plaques in the British territory.
Legal Troubles
Andrew was arrested on February 19, 2026, over claims of misconduct in public office. Thames Valley Police stated that the arrest followed a complaint about the alleged sharing of confidential material with Jeffrey Epstein. He was taken to a police station in Norfolk for questioning and later released under investigation.
Trade Envoy Role
Andrew has also made headlines after it was revealed that his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, had been 'very keen' for him to be appointed as a trade envoy in 2000. According to a memo by then-chief executive of British Trade International Sir David Wright to then-foreign secretary Robin Cook, the Queen wanted her son to take on a 'prominent role in the promotion of national interests.' Mountbatten-Windsor served as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment until 2011. He denies any wrongdoing in connection to the police investigation and any personal gain from his role as trade envoy.
