The viral post-arrest photo of formerPrince Andrewin the back of a British police car was temporarily hung in theLouvreover the weekend by a group of activists.
On Sunday, Feb. 22, the anti-billionaire groupEveryone Hates Elon– referring toElon Musk– hung a framed photo ofAndrew Mountbatten-Windsorin Paris' Louvre Museum with the placard: "He's Sweating Now. 2026." The photo was on display for about 15 minutes before it was removed by museum security, Reuters reported.
The now infamous photo, captured by Reuters photographerPhil Noble, shows the former prince in the backseat of a police vehicle leaving the Aylsham Police Station in Aylsham, England, on Thursday, Feb. 19.
"We're sick of obscenely rich, powerful men thinking they can just do as they please," Everyone Hates Elon wrote in anInstagram postabout the photo on Monday, Feb. 23. "So when he was arrested, we wanted to show ex-Prince Andrew how the world will remember him, by hanging his arrest photo in the Louvre."
The Louvre Museum did not wish to make a comment about the photo when contacted by USA TODAY on Feb. 23.
Why was former Prince Andrew arrested?
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, tied to his relationship with the late convicted sex offenderJeffrey Epstein.
Police officers, unmarked vehicles and media were seen at residences linked to disgraced former royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Feb. 19, 2026. Windsor was reportedly arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on the Sandringham estate. In a statement, Thames Valley police said they were also "carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk" as part of the investigation. See the scene outside various residences, beginning here near the entrance to Wood Farm in Sandringham, Norfolk." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The media gather to report near the home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Feb. 19, 2026, in Sandringham, Norfolk." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Unmarked police vehicles enter the gates of the Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence in Windsor Great Park, on Feb. 19, 2026, in Windsor, England." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
In this photo illustration, a statement from His Majesty King Charles III via communications at Buckingham Palace pledges his "full and wholehearted support and co-operation" to the "appropriate authorities" in response to the arrest of his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Unmarked vehicles exit the gates of the Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence in Windsor Great Park, Feb. 19, 2026, in Windsor, England. " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
A person steps out of unmarked car at the home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Feb. 19, 2026, in Sandringham, Norfolk." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Unmarked police vehicles exit the gates of the Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence in Windsor Great Park, Feb. 19, 2026, in Windsor, England." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Unmarked vehicles exit the gates of the Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence in Windsor Great Park, Feb. 19, 2026, in Windsor, England. " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Police investigate homes tied to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor amid his arrest
Police officers, unmarked vehicles and media were seen at residences linked todisgraced former royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsoron Feb. 19, 2026. Windsor wasreportedly arrestedon suspicion of misconduct in public office on the Sandringham estate. In a statement, Thames Valley police said they were also "carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk" as part of the investigation. See the scene outside various residences, beginning here near the entrance to Wood Farm in Sandringham, Norfolk.
In thelatest batch of Epstein files, photos show Mountbatten-Windsor with young women whose faces have been obscured. Emails demonstrating his lengthy friendship with Epstein and concerns from law enforcement that he wasn't cooperating with investigations were also in the files.
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Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing and said he regrets his friendship with Epstein.
What happens next?
If convicted of misconduct in public office, Mountbatten-Windsor would face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, but experts like Andrew Lownie, author of "Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York," doubts the former prince will stand trial.
The royal family could be in favor of Mountbatten-Windsor fleeing the country as an "easy solution," Lowniepreviously told USA TODAY.
When it comes to the royal family's reputation, Lownie said the British monarchy can recover from the affair, as long as King Charles III is transparent and open to parliamentary scrutiny.
Contributing: Sarah D. Wire, Anthony Robledo, Taijuan Moorman, Kim Hjelgaard and Michelle Del Rey, USA TODAY
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her atgcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Former Prince Andrew's arrest photo hung in Louvre by activists
