Prince Andrew squirted paint onto reporters

On 17/04/1984, during an official visit to Southern California, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was involved in a widely reported incident in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, where he sprayed members of the press with white paint using a high-powered spray gun. The event took place while he was touring a vacant house undergoing renovation as part of his itinerary. During the visit, Prince Andrew picked up a workman’s paint spray gun inside the property. As approximately 50 journalists and photographers gathered outside and leaned through a window to observe the tour, he directed the spray toward them, releasing a burst of white paint. Reports from the time indicated that several individuals were hit, with paint splattering onto clothing and camera equipment. Following the incident, Prince Andrew reportedly remarked, “I enjoyed that,” while interacting with local officials. He later stated that the spray had been accidental, claiming his “finger had slipped,” although contemporary accounts noted that his reaction appeared lighthearted. The episode drew immediate criticism from members of the press covering the tour. The aftermath included financial claims for damaged equipment. The Los Angeles Herald Examiner submitted a bill of approximately $1,200 for repairs, which was ultimately covered following discussions involving British officials. Additional reports indicated that Prince Andrew personally bore further costs related to the damage. The incident also prompted a reaction within the Royal Family, with reports at the time describing dissatisfaction over the conduct during an official engagement. The episode became one of the more notable moments from Prince Andrew’s early public life, attracting sustained media attention and commentary in the United Kingdom and the United States. #PrinceAndrew #LosAngeles #RoyalTour #MediaIncident #UKMonarchy