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It all began with a single photograph, possibly the most consequential ever snapped of a member of the monarchy.

There stood the Earl of Inverness, arm-in-arm a young woman, while another individual grinned conspiratorially in the backdrop.

Absent that image, shot at a party in 2001, who would have believed the claims of a young woman who said she was moved across the ocean and obliged to have cursory intimate contact with a prince of the monarchy?

A curious, indicative action by someone who had overtly stated to have not known about her, claimed he could not have had intimate contact with her, and yet provided a large amount of his mother's resources to resolve a long-delayed court action.

Years of Disgrace

In this context, talk of the monarchy acting firmly to sever ties with Andrew are wide of the mark. This affair has continued for the majority of 15 years since that image, and an additional snapshot of Andrew walking amiably with a convicted sex offender surfaced.

• Hubris: To what extent did his siblings, possibly even his parents, know that Andrew was so arrogant?
• Dubious Friendships: They must have known, if his employees and the authorities were fulfilling their roles, that he had some deeply disreputable friends given he unabashedly welcomed them to royal residences.
• Fiscal Irresponsibility: If the monarchy did not know about his intimate behaviors, they certainly knew about his extravagance with public money.

Journeys were printed in official documents: chopper travel from the royal residence to a sporting venue and back again in time for lunch, exclusive air travel instead of regular transport, all for the comfort of "the frequent flyer".

A Life of Privilege

Furthermore the presumption which required respect when he walked into a space or the extreme obsession about his honorifics used on his letterheads in messages to his associates.

He managed to escape consequences while his parent, who strangely indulged him, was still surviving. The Queen did at least remove him of royal responsibilities and ceremonial ranks in the consequence of his ill-fated and, it is now clear, untruthful public statement six years ago.

Latest Events

It was only in the last fortnight that events progressed rapidly, following the publication of books giving more grim information of his actions and that of his connections.

More information have again highlighted Andrew's belief that he could get away with deceiving about his interaction with a notorious figure.

People (and the media) were far more perceptive of the monarchy. There was not a single person of any significance to support him, a consequence of all those years of presumption.

Royal Worries

The wiser monarchical figures realized that. The one imperative is to hand down the monarchy, if not as before at least intact and unstained.

For generations the last 190 years trying to reverse the reputation of previous monarchs, showing they are valuable, accountable and responsive to their people.

His actions endangered all that in jeopardy in an time when submission and secrecy is no longer adequate.

The Fallout

Finally, the notoriously uncertain king was pushed further. There was no other option. The institution had lost control of the account.

Currently the loss of titles and the ongoing and lifetime public humiliation that will pain Andrew most deeply.

• Downgrading: Demoted to just a private citizen
• Prior Instance: The initial monarch to lose his honorifics in contemporary era
• Naval Career: Especially hurtful given his service in the conflict

He is still a constitutional officer, in principle able to act for the monarch, and he is still in the succession to the throne, but none of these will truly come to pass.

Future Prospects

Can persons he comes across still acknowledge him? Might they still forget themselves and call him Sir? Might they say Sir,

Certainly, he is not moving to an ordinary town, but to the monarchy's large property at a royal residence.

At that location, he will be provided by the sovereign with one of the grace and favour houses and given some type of private allowance.

This is not his prior accommodation, where he paid a minimal lease for more than 20 years, and the county is a bit distant, but even so it may not be far enough.

Pending Matters

This is not over. There are still documents in the custody of overseas authorities to be disclosed.

• Governmental Scrutiny: Might legislators request additional information
• Monetary Probe: Or scrutinize the improper use of taxpayer funds
• Criminal Investigation: There may even be a criminal probe into his conduct

Possibly for the time being the harm to the monarchy to the institution is contained. The message from the royal household was clearly that the stripping of designations was what the monarch, and especially other senior family members, wanted.

Changed Stance

An end to deception that Andrew was making the choice himself. And, notably, the concise announcement showed clearly that the monarchy were aligning with the victim's narrative of events.

Furthermore, for the initial instance they eventually showed regard for the survivors: "These actions are judged required, regardless of the fact that he continues to deny the accusations against him."

In the end it is entitlement, self-interest and laziness that will undermine the institution. In his foolishness, self-indulgence and corruption, Andrew seems never to have grasped that reality.