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This episode commenced with a isolated photograph, perhaps the most significant ever captured of a member of the monarchy.

In the frame appeared the Earl of Inverness, standing closely beside a young woman, while a companion beamed knowingly in the backdrop.

Absent that snapshot, shot at a social event in 2001, few would have credited the allegations of a teenager who stated she was trafficked across the Atlantic and compelled to have perfunctory sexual encounters with a individual of the royal family?

A curious, telling move by someone who had openly claimed to have not been aware of her, said he could never have had intimate contact with her, and yet provided a large amount of his mother's funds to settle a drawn-out court action.

Over a Decade of Scandal

Considering this, discussions of the royals acting firmly to distance themselves from Andrew are misguided. This controversy has persisted for the better part of 15 years since that image, and a further snapshot of Andrew strolling pleasantly with a notorious individual emerged.

• Hubris: How long did his siblings, possibly even his parents, know that Andrew was so presumptuous?
• Dubious Friendships: They must have realized, if his aides and the law enforcement were doing their jobs, that he had some deeply disreputable companions given he publicly invited them to palaces.
• Financial Extravagance: If the household did not know about his personal conduct, they certainly knew about his overspending with state resources.

Trips were documented in official documents: chopper flights from the royal residence to a golf course and back again in time for lunch, exclusive air travel instead of scheduled services, all for the convenience of "Airmiles Andy".

World of Deference

Then there was the arrogance which required subservience when he entered a space or the supreme obsession about his royal titles used on his correspondence in messages to his personal acquaintances.

He could get away with it while his mother, who strangely spoiled him, was still surviving. The Queen did at least remove him of royal responsibilities and ceremonial ranks in the aftermath of his disastrous and, it is now clear, mendacious public statement six years ago.

Latest Events

Merely in the last fortnight that events accelerated, following the publication of accounts giving more disturbing particulars of his actions and that of his connections.

Additional revelations have again exposed Andrew's assumption that he could get away with deceiving about his relationship with a notorious figure.

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

Monarchical Concerns

The more intelligent family members recognized that. The key objective is to transfer the crown, if not as previously at least whole and unstained.

For generations the last 190 years trying to undo the image of previous monarchs, demonstrating they are beneficial, dutiful and reactive to their citizens.

He was placing all that in peril in an age when submission and discretion is no longer sufficient.

Aftermath

Eventually, the famously indecisive king was prodded more. There was no alternative. The royal household had lost control of the account.

Now it is the removal of designations and the ongoing and permanent social disgrace that will hurt Andrew most deeply.

• Demotion: Demoted to just a private citizen
• Historical Precedent: The initial royal to lose his honorifics in modern times
• Armed Forces: Particularly stinging given his duty in the engagement

He continues to be a royal advisor, theoretically able to stand in for the sovereign, and he is still eighth in line to the crown, but neither of these will actually occur.

What Lies Ahead

Do individuals he meets still acknowledge him? Will they still make mistakes and call him Sir? Would they say Andrew,

Of course, he is not withdrawing to suburbia, but to the royal family's large grounds at Sandringham.

In that place, he will be provided by the king with one of the grace and favour houses and given some form of financial support.

It is not his previous residence, where he paid a nominal lease for more than 20 years, and the area is a bit far, but even so it may not be far enough.

Outstanding Concerns

The situation continues. There are still documents in the hands of overseas authorities to be disclosed.

• Governmental Scrutiny: Might parliament seek further action
• Financial Investigation: Or scrutinize the waste of state resources
• Legal Possibility: There may even be a law enforcement inquiry into his actions

Possibly for the moment the reputational impact to the crown is limited. The statement from the royal household was evidently that the revocation of titles was what the sovereign, and especially other senior royals, desired.

A Shift in Position

No more pretence that Andrew was acting willingly. And, remarkably, the short communication showed plainly that the monarchy were siding with the victim's narrative of incidents.

Furthermore, for the initial instance they finally showed concern for the survivors: "The measures are judged required, notwithstanding the truth that he continues to deny the accusations against him."

Ultimately it is presumption, selfishness and laziness that will destroy the institution. In his stupidity, self-gratification and venality, Andrew gives the impression never to have learned that lesson.