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

Present was the Earl of Inverness, with his arm around a female youth, while an associate grinned suggestively in the background.

Absent that photograph, taken at a social event in 2001, who would have believed the claims of a teenager who said she was transported across the sea and compelled to have cursory intimate contact with a individual of the royal bloodline?

A strange, indicative gesture by someone who had overtly stated to have no been aware of her, said he could never have had sex with her, and yet handed over a large amount of family resources to settle a drawn-out lawsuit.

Over a Decade of Controversy

Against this backdrop, conversations of the royal family acting decisively to sever ties with Andrew are inaccurate. This controversy has continued for the majority of 15 years since that picture, and another snapshot of Andrew ambling amiably with a disgraced financier surfaced.

• Hubris: To what extent did his siblings, perhaps even his mother and father, know that Andrew was so arrogant?
• Dubious Friendships: They must have known, if his aides and the law enforcement were fulfilling their roles, that he had some deeply disreputable companions given he unabashedly invited them to palaces.
• Financial Extravagance: If the monarchy did not know about his intimate behaviors, they certainly knew about his overspending with taxpayer funds.

Journeys were listed in royal annual reports: helicopter transfers from the estate to a country club and back again in time for midday meal, exclusive air travel instead of scheduled services, all for the benefit of "the frequent flyer".

A Life of Privilege

Then there was the arrogance which required respect when he walked into a area or the extreme consciousness about his royal titles used on his letterheads in messages to his friends.

He managed to escape consequences while his matriarch, who inexplicably pampered him, was still alive. The monarch did at least revoke him of public duties and military positions in the wake of his ill-fated and, we now know, deceptive television interview six years ago.

Current Situation

It was only in the last 14 days that events progressed rapidly, following the publication of books giving more disturbing details of his actions and that of his connections.

Additional revelations have again revealed Andrew's thinking that he could avoid deceiving about his interaction with a disgraced individual.

The public (and the press) were far in advance of the royals. There was not a single person of any importance to speak up for him, a consequence of all those years of arrogance.

Institutional Fears

The more astute royals understood that. The primary concern is to hand down the crown, if not as previously at least intact and untarnished.

For generations the last 190 years trying to undo the legacy of earlier rulers, proving they are valuable, dutiful and attentive to their people.

He was placing all that in danger in an time when respect and secrecy is no longer sufficient.

Aftermath

Ultimately, the well-known hesitant king was pushed additional. There was little choice. The royal household had relinquished authority of the narrative.

Currently the loss of titles and the continued and lifetime public humiliation that will pain Andrew most severely.

• Reduction: Lowered to just a private citizen
• Historical Precedent: The initial royal to lose his titles in contemporary era
• Naval Career: Especially hurtful given his role in the conflict

He continues to be a constitutional officer, on paper able to act for the king, and he is still eighth in line to the crown, but neither of these will ever come to pass.

Coming Developments

Do individuals he comes across still show respect to him? Will they still forget themselves and call him Prince? Would they say Sir,

Certainly, he is not withdrawing to an ordinary town, but to the royal family's vast estate at a monarchical property.

At that location, he will be furnished by the sovereign with one of the grace and favour houses and given some type of personal stipend.

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

Pending Matters

The situation continues. There are still files in the custody of overseas authorities to be made public.

• Parliamentary Interest: Will lawmakers demand more
• Financial Investigation: Or examine the misuse of state resources
• Judicial Potential: There may even be a police investigation into his conduct

Possibly for the moment the harm to the monarchy to the institution is limited. The narrative from the institution was clearly that the stripping of honorifics was what the king, and notably other senior family members, sought.

A Shift in Position

The cessation of pretence that Andrew was acting willingly. And, significantly, the short announcement showed plainly that the monarchy were siding with the complainant's account of incidents.

Additionally, for the initial instance they eventually showed concern for the affected individuals: "These actions are judged required, regardless of the truth that he maintains his innocence of the claims against him."

Finally it is presumption, self-interest and inactivity that will kill the crown. In his folly, self-gratification and venality, Andrew seems never to have grasped that truth.