A tip-off and 'more luck than judgement': The story behind Andrew car snap
BBC World
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The arrest of Prince Andrew, the King's brother, on suspicion of misconduct in public office marked a historic moment as the first senior British royal to be detained in modern times. Reuters photographer Phil Noble captured the defining image of Andrew slumped in a car following his arrest, a photo that went viral globally. Noble received a tip-off about Andrew's potential detention location and made a six-hour drive from Manchester to Norfolk to cover the story.
Upon arrival, Noble waited at Aylsham police station for hours, uncertain if the tip was accurate. As he prepared to leave after no activity, a call from his colleague alerted him to Andrew's arrival. Racing back, Noble managed to snap the photo just as Andrew's vehicles departed. Despite exhaustion and challenging conditions, he focused on capturing the moment, using flash to illuminate Andrew's shocked expression.
The image became a symbol of this unprecedented event, securing front-page coverage worldwide. Noble reflected that while planning is crucial in journalism, moments like these often rely on luck. He found it surreal how one photograph could encapsulate such a significant news story, emphasizing the rarity of capturing history in an oversaturated media landscape.
This incident highlights the intersection of royal scandal and media impact, drawing global attention to the unexpected arrest of a senior figure. Noble's photo not only documented the event but also underscored the unpredictable nature of breaking news, where preparation meets opportunity in fleeting moments.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026