EXCLUSIVE: Express reporter Adam Toms has reflected on what Falkland Islanders told him during a recent visit.

Andrew looks at camera at funeral outside church

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been stripped of his royal titles (Image: Getty)

If we ever find ourselves in dire straits, we can only hope that the people who appreciate us the most will gather round and hold some sort of intervention. If we were very lucky, those close to us would ensure that their love guided us back onto the straight and narrow. Andrew Mountbatten Windsor finds himself in a bit of a pickle, and he would probably appreciate some help from anyone who still holds him in high enough esteem.

If not practical assistance, maybe some friendly words of reassurance. Seemingly, he has enjoyed a lot of time with equine acquaintances (although reports suggest he can’t even do this anymore), as some humans previously associated with him probably thought it was now best to leave the former prince be, following various allegations related to the deceased paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing.

The late Queen Elizabeth II’s second son has been lauded by residents of the Falkland Islands for decades for his role in repelling invading Argentines in 1982.

Andrew raises hand in glee in military uniform

The then-Prince Andrew helped liberate the Falklands (Image: Getty)

As a sub-lieutenant and Sea King helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy aboard HMS Invincible, the King’s brother flew front-line missions, even acting as a decoy for Exocet missiles.

During a visit to the Falkland Islands earlier this month, locals told me of happy memories, including having lunch with the soon-to-be Duke of York after the British emerged as victors, and seeing him opening the airport at Mount Pleasant years later.

But now, some are embarrassed by him, believing he acted as a “silly idiot” and a “fool to himself”.

Their hero has been “caught out”, islanders lamented.

There was a prevailing mood of sorrow and forgetfulness, as references to Andrew have been removed from buildings, and residents apparently do not talk of him.

Throughout human history, a society’s rulers, especially royal ones, have been expected to prove themselves on the battlefield and show exceptional bravery as their people enjoy significant military victories.

One only has to gaze up Henry VIII’s codpiece in his suit of armour displayed at the Tower of London to see how this belief was related to masculine virility and the continuation of the monarchical line.

Andrew, Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein sit together

A photo of Andrew, Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein has been released (Image: Department of Justice)

More than 400 years later, “Randy Andy” was proving himself on the British archipelago.

Now, however, that idyllic display lies in near tatters - save for some still suggesting that he has not been found guilty of any crimes, and, as he is a veteran, locals would still buy him a pint.

Andrew has not been charged with any crimes after being arrested and released under investigation last month.

But certain photos, reports, testimonies and allegations mean there’s surely no way back to the standing he had before his links with Epstein first emerged, especially if people he so bravely helped to liberate have turned their backs on him.

Andrew's apparent selfish irresponsibility has presented the monarchy with perhaps its greatest crisis of modern times.

The Royal Family is an asset that Britain cannot afford to lose, and putting it in any danger at all is a deeply regrettable act.

The King has faced heckles in recent weeks over his brother's relationship with Epstein, which those who support the continuation of the monarchy should find deeply concerning.

This country needs a figurehead above politics with the capacity to unite us. Without a sovereign, the UK would just be another plain, middling western democracy.

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It is a diplomatic trump card we'd be foolish to yield.

We can't let Andrew bring the institution down with him.