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

In the frame appeared the Earl of Inverness, arm-in-arm a young woman, while another individual beamed knowingly in the backdrop.

Without that photograph, taken at a social event in 2001, few would have credited the assertions of a young woman who declared she was trafficked across the ocean and obliged to have perfunctory sexual encounters with a individual of the royal bloodline?

A strange, indicative gesture by someone who had overtly claimed to have never been aware of her, said he could no have had sex with her, and yet provided a large amount of monarchical resources to resolve a long-delayed legal case.

Years of Disgrace

In this context, talk of the monarchy acting decisively to cut Andrew off are inaccurate. This affair has persisted for the better part of 15 years since that picture, and an additional snapshot of Andrew strolling amiably with a convicted sex offender emerged.

• Self-importance: For what duration did his family members, perhaps even his parents, understand that Andrew was so presumptuous?
• Dubious Friendships: They must have understood, if his staff and the police were fulfilling their roles, that he had some extremely unsavory companions given he unabashedly hosted them to palaces.
• Financial Extravagance: If the household did not know about his intimate behaviors, they certainly knew about his extravagance with public money.

Trips were documented in public records: private aircraft flights from the palace to a country club and back again in time for midday meal, private flights instead of regular transport, all for the convenience of "the travel enthusiast".

World of Deference

Furthermore the entitlement which required respect when he appeared in a room or the extreme awareness about his royal titles used on his correspondence in messages to his friends.

He avoided accountability while his matriarch, who inexplicably spoiled him, was still surviving. The sovereign did at least revoke him of official roles and honorary colonelcies in the wake of his disastrous and, as revealed, mendacious public statement six years ago.

Latest Events

It was only in the last fortnight that events accelerated, following the publication of accounts giving more troubling particulars of his conduct and that of his connections.

Further disclosures have again revealed Andrew's belief that he could get away with being untruthful about his relationship with a notorious figure.

The public (and the journalists) were far in advance of the royal family. There was no one of any importance to speak up for him, a consequence of all those years of presumption.

Institutional Fears

The more astute royals realized that. The key objective is to hand down the institution, if not as heretofore at least intact and unblemished.

For generations the last 190 years trying to undo the reputation of past sovereigns, showing they are valuable, accountable and responsive to their citizens.

Andrew was putting all that in jeopardy in an time when submission and secrecy is no longer adequate.

The Fallout

Finally, the famously uncertain king was prodded additional. There was no other option. The royal household had surrendered command of the account.

Currently the removal of titles and the persistent and life-long public humiliation that will hurt Andrew most severely.

• Reduction: Lowered to just a commoner
• Historical Precedent: The initial monarch to lose his titles in contemporary era
• Military Service: Notably hurtful given his role in the conflict

He is still a counsellor of state, on paper able to substitute for the sovereign, and he is still eighth in line to the monarchy, but neither of these will ever occur.

Coming Developments

Can persons he meets still acknowledge him? Could they still forget themselves and call him Your Highness? Will they even say Andrew,

Naturally, he is not retiring to an ordinary town, but to the sovereign's vast grounds at a royal residence.

In that place, he will be supplied by the sovereign with one of the estate properties and given some form of financial support.

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

Pending Matters

Matters remain unresolved. There are still records in the custody of US Congress to be made public.

• Governmental Scrutiny: Could parliament seek further action
• Fiscal Review: Or scrutinize the misuse of public money
• Criminal Investigation: There may even be a criminal probe into his conduct

Perhaps for the present the harm to the monarchy to the crown is limited. The statement from the royal household was clearly that the stripping of designations was what the monarch, and especially other senior family members, sought.

A Shift in Position

An end to deception that Andrew was acting willingly. And, notably, the brief communication showed plainly that the institution were aligning with the victim's narrative of events.

Furthermore, for the first time they ultimately showed consideration for the victims: "The censures are considered essential, notwithstanding the fact that he persists in refuting the allegations against him."

Ultimately it is presumption, selfishness and indolence that will undermine the monarchy. In his foolishness, self-gratification and venality, Andrew gives the impression never to have grasped that reality.