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2022 Footage of Prince Andrew Heckler Resurfaces Amid Recent Arrest
Misleading social media posts have recirculated a 2022 video showing a heckler being assaulted after shouting at Prince Andrew, falsely claiming it depicts a 2026 incident. The footage, which captures a significant moment during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral proceedings, has gained renewed attention following the former Duke of York’s recent legal troubles.
The video in question shows a young man shouting, “Andrew, you’re a sick old man,” during the September 12, 2022 procession carrying Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin to St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland. Immediately after his outburst, the heckler was physically confronted by bystanders and taken into police custody.
Social media account @ArchewellBaby reshared the footage on February 20, 2026, with the caption: “Watching a young man get assaulted by the British public for calling Prince Andrew a sick man. Some people can’t be saved.” Written in present tense, the post misleadingly suggested the incident had just occurred, coinciding with Prince Andrew’s arrest on February 19, 2026, on suspicion of “misconduct in office.”
The original incident made headlines in 2022 as it highlighted public sentiment toward Prince Andrew, who had faced intense scrutiny over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual misconduct. The confrontation occurred at a particularly sensitive moment during the mourning period for the late Queen.
According to The Guardian’s reporting from October 2, 2022, three people were arrested following the incident. The 22-year-old heckler was taken into custody “in connection with a breach of the peace,” while two 34-year-old men from the crowd were arrested “in connection with assault.” Follow-up reporting in November 2022 revealed that the heckler ultimately avoided court proceedings, with his case “dealt with by way of an offer of an alternative to prosecution.”
The Scottish Sun later reported on December 3, 2022, that assault charges against the two men who confronted the heckler were also dropped after “careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, including the available admissible evidence,” according to Crown prosecutors.
One of those men, Craig Thomson, later provided context to his actions in an interview with The Scottish Sun. “As the King and the rest of the Royals approached where I was, all I could hear was this man shouting. I could not make out what he was saying, all I could hear was noise,” Thomson explained. “I was worried about what he was going to do. It may sound daft but I thought he was going to jump the fence and attack the King.”
Thomson defended his intervention, stating: “There’s a time and a place to be shouting—and that wasn’t it. It was a funeral procession for the Queen.” He insisted he had not assaulted the heckler but rather “restrained him to get him back from the fence,” adding that “the weight difference probably meant that I pulled him a bit harder than what I meant to. The man ended up falling backwards and landing on the ground.”
The resurfacing of this footage underscores how social media can decontextualize past events, particularly around high-profile individuals facing new controversies. Prince Andrew’s recent legal issues have evidently reignited interest in past incidents involving public criticism of the former royal.
Media literacy experts continue to emphasize the importance of verifying the date and context of viral footage, especially when it appears in connection with breaking news stories about public figures.
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13 Comments
The resurfacing of this footage is a reminder that old videos can be misleadingly repurposed. It’s important to verify the context and timing before drawing conclusions, especially when it comes to high-profile individuals and events.
The fact that this old footage is being recycled to suggest a recent incident is concerning. It speaks to the broader problem of misinformation and the need for careful fact-checking, especially around sensitive political and legal matters.
I appreciate the fact-checking efforts here. It’s important to ensure we have the full context and timeline around events like this, rather than just reacting to sensationalized social media posts.
While Prince Andrew’s conduct has been widely criticized, the public response shown in this video seems concerning. We should strive for a more civil, rule-of-law approach, even when dealing with controversial figures.
I agree. Mob mentality and vigilante actions, even against those who have done wrong, can set a dangerous precedent. A measured, lawful response is ultimately more constructive.
While Prince Andrew’s actions have been widely condemned, the public reaction shown in this video is troubling. We should strive for a more measured, civil discourse, even when dealing with individuals whose conduct is seen as unacceptable.
Absolutely. Upholding the rule of law and principles of justice should take precedence, even in the face of public outrage. Mob mentality can lead down a dangerous path.
This video highlights the need for balanced reporting and nuanced discussion around complex issues. While Prince Andrew’s actions have been widely condemned, the public reaction shown here raises questions about due process and civil liberties.
Agreed. It’s important to maintain principles of justice and rule of law, even when dealing with individuals whose conduct is widely seen as unethical or reprehensible.
The timing of this resurfaced video is certainly curious, given Prince Andrew’s recent legal troubles. I’m curious to know if there’s any connection between the two events or if it’s just a coincidence.
That’s a good question. It’s possible the video is being used to stir up more negative sentiment around Prince Andrew, though we’d need more information to say for sure.
Hmm, interesting to see this old footage resurface. While the heckler’s language was harsh, the public reaction seems disproportionate. I wonder if there’s more context around the incident that wasn’t captured on camera.
You make a fair point. Mob justice is never the right answer, even for controversial public figures. It would be good to understand the full circumstances here.