Leather flying gloves worn by Prince Andrew during the 1982 Falklands War are set to be auctioned next month.

A Piece of Military History

The gloves, estimated to sell for £1,000-£2,000, represent a period before Prince Andrew’s fall from grace and offer a tangible connection to his service as a helicopter pilot. Reeman Dansie auctioneers in Colchester, Essex, will conduct the sale on June 9th.

Prince Andrew's Role in the Falklands War

Prince Andrew trained as a pilot of Sea King helicopters and was assigned to the 820 Naval Air Squadron aboard the HMS Invincible. When Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands in April 1982, the HMS Invincible was dispatched to the South Atlantic.

Crucial Missions

During the conflict, Prince Andrew undertook vital missions, including anti-submarine patrols, decoy operations, and evacuating casualties. His commanding officer, Commander Nigel Ward, described him as “an excellent pilot and very promising officer.”

The Gloves' Provenance

The gloves were originally donated by Prince Andrew to a charity auction in 1982, benefiting the Falklands Appeal and South Atlantic Fund. They bear his signature, enhancing their collectibility and historical value.

Auctioneers describe the gloves as “worn and dirty from flying operations,” reflecting the demanding nature of his duties. A letter accompanying the gloves includes an apology from Prince Andrew’s equerry for his inability to attend the original auction due to royal obligations with Queen Elizabeth II.

A Poignant Sale

The auction follows King Charles’s decision last year to remove Prince Andrew’s royal status and his name from commemorative plaques in the Falkland Islands. Auctioneer James Grinter noted the irony, stating it would have been “inconceivable” at the time of the war that Prince Andrew would later face disgrace.

The gloves serve as a reminder of a different era, when Prince Andrew was viewed as a national hero. The auction is expected to attract collectors of military memorabilia and royal artifacts.