The former 'Prince' Andrew's arrest (and subsequent release under investigation on suspicion of misconduct in public office) sparked a photograph that will go down in the history books: one of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor looking entirely panicked in the back of a car while being escorted home from a Norfolk police station.
Snapped by Paul Noble, the image shows Andrew slinking down in the back seat as security officers drive him home to Wood Farm on the King's Sandringham Estate, his new residence after being ordered to leave Royal Lodge – the home that he shared with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, for several decades.
Andrew denies allegations he shared confidential information with convicted paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein, during his time as a trade envoy.
Now, it seems the previous Duke of York feels he was set up by his family in relation to the photo that made front pages the world over, labelling it "no accident".
An insider reportedly told royal commentator, Rob Shuter, "He thinks this was no accident. Andrew believes the King understands exactly how the press game works — and how powerful one image can be.
"He thinks Charles sacrificed him to protect the institution. In Andrew’s view, the monarchy needed a reckoning moment — and he was it."
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The insider alleges the paparazzi must have been tipped off by someone inside the Palace, although there is no known evidence of this.
In response to his brother's arrest, the King issued a statement saying he supports the police with their work and reaffirmed his commitment to the country: "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
"What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation."
The King added, in an unusually direct turn of phrase from a royal, "Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.
"As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all."
