In a striking and controversial act, a group of activists known as People Vs Elon has displayed a photograph of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, in the illustrious Louvre Museum in Paris. This latest stunt aims to draw attention to issues they associate with billionaire Elon Musk, specifically to highlight social and political matters that the group feels are overlooked.
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The photograph in question shows the former prince slumped in the back seat of a car after his release from police custody. This image has become infamous in the wake of his arrest on 19 February 2023, coincidentally on his 66th birthday. The activists attached a framed version of the photo to the gallery wall, with the caption “He’s Sweating Now,” referencing Andrew’s previous claims of having an inability to sweat, a statement made during his controversial interviews surrounding accusations of misconduct.
On the morning of his arrest, police officers arrived at Wood Farm, part of the Sandringham estate in Norfolk where Andrew had recently moved. This shift came after he was compelled to relinquish his lease at Royal Lodge due to mounting pressures and public scrutiny. Following an 11-hour detention in Aylsham Police Station, Andrew was released but remains the subject of an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office.
In the wake of his release, Thames Valley Police confirmed that a “man in his sixties from Norfolk” had been freed under investigation, although they did not explicitly name Andrew. The police indicated that while their inquiries in Norfolk had concluded, investigations were still ongoing in Berkshire, adding to the complexities surrounding the former royal’s situation.
People Vs Elon shared a video on TikTok documenting their Louvre stunt, asserting that they decided to hang the photograph after hearing the expression “hang it in the Louvre.” This action has prompted debates about the appropriateness of using a revered cultural institution for political activism. Some observers have praised the group’s creative approach to protest, while others question the gravity of trivialising serious allegations through art and humour.
Phil Noble, the senior photographer for Reuters who took the now-famous image of Andrew’s release, described his stroke of fortune in capturing the moment. He revealed that after having visited several police stations in pursuit of capturing Andrew’s exit, he received a timely tip-off just before the former prince was released. Noble stated, “Within one minute of arriving back, the shutters on the garage at the police station came up, and two cars left. One of them, he was in,” highlighting that luck played a significant role in his ability to get the shot.
The image resonated with many, quickly spreading across news platforms and social media. The scene of the disgraced royal, whose reputation has been marred by various scandals, struck a chord particularly given the timing of the events and the historical context surrounding the monarchy’s current standing. Activist movements like People Vs Elon have gained traction in the UK, particularly in response to rising wealth inequality and criticisms directed at billionaires’ influence on political and social matters.
This incident raises broader questions about the intersection of art, activism, and accountability, particularly regarding individuals previously in positions of power. The choice of venue, the Louvre, often regarded as a bastion of culture and history, adds a layer of complexity to how such messages are conveyed and interpreted within society.
As the investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor unfolds, and as public sentiment continues to evolve regarding the British monarchy, actions like those taken by People Vs Elon serve as a provocative reminder of the pressures faced by public figures. The interplay of fame, scrutiny, and activism remains a potent force, one that is likely to maintain its relevance well into the future as society grapples with issues of power and accountability across the board.