Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has faced fresh humiliation this week as his Falklands War gloves failed to sell at auction. The pale leather gloves, worn by the 65-year-old former Duke of York during helicopter flights in the 1982 conflict, attracted no interest and no bids, according to auctioneers.
Gloves fail to meet reserve price
The gloves were expected to fetch between £1,000 and £2,000 but did not meet their undisclosed reserve price. In contrast, a letter written by the late Diana, Princess of Wales, sold for £5,330 at the same auction. Experts suggest Andrew's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has made him 'too hot to handle' for collectors.
Auctioneer comments on lack of interest
James Grinter, auctioneer at Reeman Dansie in Colchester, Essex, said: 'The gloves are well-worn and dirty from Andrew’s flying operations. Andrew was at the height of his popularity during the Falklands War and was very highly regarded at the time. It would have been inconceivable then that he would be disgraced for his subsequent behaviour.' He added: 'In the past, items connected to Andrew have done well, but his current lack of popularity shone through in this sale. There was no interest and no bids. I think he is too hot to handle for the market at the moment.'
Background of the gloves
The gloves, signed by Andrew, were donated to a charity auction shortly after the Falklands conflict. They had been held by the previous buyer for 44 years before being put up for auction this week. A letter from an equerry accompanied the gloves, stating that Andrew was unable to attend the auction as he was spending time with Queen Elizabeth II before her foreign tour.
Further humiliation for Andrew
Following the Epstein scandal, Andrew's name was removed from commemorative plaques in the Falklands after his royal status was revoked by King Charles last year. This latest failed auction adds to the disgraced royal's ongoing public embarrassment.
