A pair of flying gloves worn by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor during the 1982 Falklands conflict failed to attract a single bid at auction, highlighting the disgraced royal's tarnished reputation.
Gloves Fail to Sell
The signed pale leather gloves, still bearing dirt from helicopter operations over four decades ago, were valued between £1,000 and £2,000 but did not reach their undisclosed reserve at Reeman Dansie in Colchester, Essex. The gloves had been kept by the original buyer since the then-prince donated them to a charity sale after the war.
Auctioneer's Comments
James Grinter, the auctioneer, noted the gloves showed clear signs of wear from the former duke's cockpit time. He believes the gloves might have sold well if not for the numerous allegations of misconduct and investigations into Andrew.
"Andrew was at the height of his popularity during the Falklands War and very highly regarded at the time," Grinter said. "It would have been inconceivable then that he would be disgraced for his subsequent behaviour."
Ongoing Investigation
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is under investigation by Thames Valley Police, who arrested him on his 66th birthday in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest relates to allegations he handed confidential information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as UK trade envoy in the early 2000s. Andrew denies any wrongdoing.
In May, Thames Valley Police widened the investigation, examining "a number of aspects of alleged misconduct" including sexual wrongdoing and corruption. Andrew has vehemently denied all allegations.
Reputation Blamed
Grinter attributed the lack of interest to Andrew's diminished reputation. "There was no interest and no bids," he said. "I think he is too hot to handle for the market at the moment." In contrast, a letter by Princess Diana, written a week after her Panorama interview, fetched £5,330 at the same sale.
Falklands Service
Andrew served with 820 Naval Air Squadron aboard HMS Invincible, piloting Sea King helicopters for anti-submarine patrols, Exocet missile decoy duties, and casualty evacuation missions. He continued serving until 1983, with Cdr Nigel Ward describing him as "an excellent pilot and a very promising officer." When Andrew was stripped of his royal titles in October, his name was removed from commemorative plaques in the Falkland Islands.
