Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Photography Book Was Branded ‘Sad and Pathetic’ by Critics

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor once tried his hand at publishing a photography collection, but critics were reportedly unimpressed by the results. His 1995 book, Photographs: Andrew, Prince Duke of York, has resurfaced as an example of a creative project that drew harsh reviews rather than acclaim. The collection featured personal pictures of royal relatives and public figures, including a young Prince Harry and actress Finola Hughes. The Los Angeles Times delivered a particularly sharp judgment, describing the book as “sad and pathetic,” while photography experts questioned whether Andrew had the technical skill to justify publishing his work. One image of Harry sitting on a swing during a trip aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia came under criticism from photography professor John Hedgecoe, then head of photography at the London School of Art. Hedgecoe called the composition “an absolute mess” and said the rope crossed the child’s face. Another picture showed Harry with a bucket and spade, and critics also questioned the artistic merit of the childhood photographs. The negative response did not mean Andrew had treated the project casually. Gene Nocon, who worked as his technical assistant, said in 2011 that Andrew had been committed to improving behind the camera. Nocon reportedly believed he had a natural visual instinct and helped him develop his approach. Andrew later described the book in its foreword as “a small slice of autobiography” recording memories and impressions through his eyes and the camera lens. The project’s reception has drawn renewed attention amid scrutiny of the former prince following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The article also notes his arrest on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The photographs and the criticism offer a glimpse of an earlier attempt by Andrew to present a more personal, creative side of his life.