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This episode commenced with a isolated photograph, possibly the most significant ever captured of a individual from the royal household.

In the frame appeared the Earl of Inverness, with his arm around a young woman, while another individual beamed conspiratorially in the backdrop.

Absent that photograph, shot at a gathering in 2001, it would have been difficult to accept the claims of a teenager who said she was trafficked across the ocean and forced to have cursory intimate contact with a individual of the royal family?

An odd, revealing move by someone who had publicly stated to have no heard of her, asserted he could no have had sex with her, and yet provided a large amount of family resources to avert a protracted legal case.

Over a Decade of Scandal

Considering this, discussions of the monarchy acting decisively to sever ties with Andrew are inaccurate. This affair has endured for the largest portion of 15 years since that picture, and an additional photo of Andrew ambling congenially with a notorious individual came to light.

• Arrogance: For what duration did his brothers and sisters, possibly even his relatives, know that Andrew was so self-entitled?
• Questionable Associations: They must have understood, if his staff and the police were doing their jobs, that he had some highly questionable companions given he publicly hosted them to estates.
• Financial Extravagance: If the family did not know about his personal conduct, they certainly knew about his overspending with taxpayer funds.

Travel were printed in royal annual reports: helicopter travel from the palace to a sporting venue and back again in time for dining, private flights instead of scheduled services, all for the convenience of "Airmiles Andy".

A Life of Privilege

Then there was the presumption which required deference when he walked into a area or the profound consciousness about his royal titles used on his official documents in communication to his associates.

He managed to escape consequences while his matriarch, who strangely indulged him, was still surviving. The Queen did at least strip him of royal responsibilities and ceremonial ranks in the wake of his disastrous and, we now know, deceptive public statement six years ago.

Recent Developments

It was only in the last fortnight that events sped up, following the issuance of accounts giving more troubling information of his conduct and that of his companions.

More information have again highlighted Andrew's belief that he could avoid deceiving about his contact with a disgraced individual.

The public (and the journalists) were far in advance of the monarchy. There was no one of any significance to defend him, a result of all those years of hubris.

Royal Worries

The more intelligent monarchical figures realized that. The primary concern is to hand down the crown, if not as previously at least complete and untarnished.

They have spent the last 190 years trying to undo the reputation of previous monarchs, proving they are valuable, accountable and attentive to their people.

He was placing all that in jeopardy in an time when submission and privacy is no longer enough.

Aftermath

Eventually, the notoriously indecisive monarch was prodded more. There was no other option. The institution had lost control of the account.

Presently the stripping of honorifics and the continued and permanent social disgrace that will hurt Andrew most deeply.

• Demotion: Demoted to just a private citizen
• Historical Precedent: The initial member to surrender his designations in modern times
• Military Service: Particularly stinging given his duty in the Falklands war

He is still a constitutional officer, on paper able to stand in for the monarch, and he is still in the succession to the monarchy, but neither of these will actually occur.

Future Prospects

Will people he meets still acknowledge him? Could they still forget themselves and call him Prince? Might they say Mr,

Certainly, he is not moving to suburbia, but to the sovereign's large property at Sandringham.

In that place, he will be furnished by the king with one of the grace and favour houses and given some form of private allowance.

This is not his former home, where he paid a nominal payment for more than 20 years, and Norfolk is a bit far, but even so it may not be adequate distance.

Pending Matters

This is not over. There are still files in the custody of American legislators to be made public.

• Political Pressure: Will legislators seek further action
• Monetary Probe: Or scrutinize the improper use of public money
• Criminal Investigation: There may even be a law enforcement inquiry into his behavior

Maybe for the present the harm to the monarchy to the monarchy is restricted. The statement from the royal household was clearly that the removal of honorifics was what the sovereign, and notably other senior family members, wanted.

Altered Approach

No more pretence that Andrew was doing it voluntarily. And, notably, the short announcement showed clearly that the monarchy were aligning with the accuser's account of incidents.

Furthermore, for the premiere occasion they finally showed consideration for the victims: "The measures are considered essential, despite the truth that he continues to deny the accusations against him."

Finally it is entitlement, selfishness and indolence that will undermine the institution. In his stupidity, personal excess and venality, Andrew seems never to have learned that reality.