Aylsham, England. A Reuters photograph of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor leaving Aylsham police station after a day of questioning went viral after being published late on Thursday. The image was taken following his release from police custody in connection with allegations involving confidential government documents and Jeffrey Epstein.
Photograph published after release from custody
The photo, taken by Reuters photographer Phil Noble, shows a visibly shaken man sitting in the back seat of a Range Rover as the vehicle leaves the police station in Norfolk. Mountbatten-Windsor, described as the younger brother of King Charles and once referred to as the “Playboy Prince,” had been questioned over allegations he sent confidential government documents to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Six-hour drive and uncertainty over location
After news broke early on Thursday that Mountbatten-Windsor had been arrested, Noble drove about six hours from Manchester to Norfolk. Journalists knew the arrest occurred in Norfolk, where the royal Sandringham estate is located and where Mountbatten-Windsor resides.
However, because officers from Thames Valley Police were conducting the questioning, Noble said there were potentially 20 or more police stations where Mountbatten-Windsor could have been held.
Waiting at Aylsham police station
Following a tip, Noble went to the police station in Aylsham, described as a historic market town. Noble said there was little activity, with a few other media present, including Reuters video journalist Marissa Davison.
After six or seven hours, and after darkness fell, Noble said it appeared the team might be at the wrong station, noting it was more than an hour’s drive from Mountbatten-Windsor’s home.
Cars arrive and photo captured as vehicles leave
The two Reuters journalists decided to book hotel rooms, and Noble began driving toward the hotel. Minutes later, Davison called to say Mountbatten-Windsor’s cars had arrived.
Noble returned in time to see two vehicles leaving at high speed. Noble said the front vehicle contained two police officers, and he aimed his camera and flash at the car behind.
What do you think about the role of photographs in shaping public attention to high-profile police investigations?