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It all began with a single photograph, possibly the most impactful ever snapped of a individual from the royal household.

In the frame appeared the Baron Killyleagh, with his arm around a female youth, while an associate smiled suggestively in the rear.

Absent that snapshot, taken at a social event in 2001, few would have credited the allegations of a teenager who declared she was transported across the sea and obliged to have cursory sexual encounters with a individual of the royal family?

A strange, telling move by someone who had overtly stated to have no heard of her, claimed he could no have had intimate contact with her, and yet provided millions of family resources to resolve a protracted lawsuit.

Years of Scandal

In this context, talk of the monarchy acting swiftly to sever ties with Andrew are wide of the mark. This affair has continued for the majority of 15 years since that image, and another image of Andrew ambling congenially with a notorious individual surfaced.

• Self-importance: How long did his brothers and sisters, maybe even his relatives, know that Andrew was so presumptuous?
• Problematic Connections: They must have realized, if his staff and the authorities were doing their jobs, that he had some deeply disreputable companions given he publicly invited them to palaces.
• Fiscal Irresponsibility: If the monarchy did not know about his sexual proclivities, they certainly knew about his overspending with taxpayer funds.

Trips were printed in royal annual reports: private aircraft transfers from the royal residence to a golf course and back again in time for lunch, private flights instead of regular transport, all for the benefit of "the frequent flyer".

A Life of Privilege

Additionally the arrogance which demanded subservience when he appeared in a space or the extreme awareness about his designations used on his letterheads in messages to his personal acquaintances.

He avoided accountability while his matriarch, who inexplicably spoiled him, was still alive. The Queen did at least strip him of official roles and military positions in the aftermath of his ill-fated and, we now know, untruthful media appearance six years ago.

Latest Events

It was only in the last 14 days that events progressed rapidly, following the release of biographical works giving more grim details of his actions and that of his associates.

Further disclosures have again highlighted Andrew's thinking that he could avoid lying about his interaction with a convicted criminal.

The public (and the press) were far more perceptive of the royal family. There was no one of any importance to defend him, a consequence of all those years of hubris.

Institutional Fears

The more astute royals recognized that. The key objective is to hand down the monarchy, if not as before at least whole and unstained.

Over time the last 190 years trying to undo the reputation of past sovereigns, proving they are beneficial, dutiful and responsive to their citizens.

His actions endangered all that in jeopardy in an age when deference and discretion is no longer sufficient.

Consequences

Eventually, the well-known uncertain king was pressured more. There was no alternative. The royal household had relinquished authority of the narrative.

Presently the stripping of titles and the persistent and lifetime personal shame that will pain Andrew most severely.

• Demotion: Demoted to just a private citizen
• Historical Precedent: The primary monarch to forfeit his titles in modern times
• Military Service: Especially stinging given his service in the engagement

He is still a constitutional officer, on paper able to stand in for the monarch, and he is still in the lineage to the monarchy, but not any of these will truly occur.

What Lies Ahead

Will people he encounters still acknowledge him? Will they still make mistakes and call him Sir? Would they say Mr,

Of course, he is not retiring to an ordinary town, but to the monarchy's large estate at a monarchical property.

There, he will be provided by the king with one of the estate properties and given some type of financial support.

It is not his previous residence, where he paid a nominal payment for more than 20 years, and Norfolk is a bit distant, but even so it may not be sufficiently removed.

Unresolved Issues

The situation continues. There are still files in the custody of American legislators to be disclosed.

• Parliamentary Interest: Might legislators seek further action
• Fiscal Review: Or scrutinize the improper use of taxpayer funds
• Legal Possibility: There may even be a police investigation into his actions

Perhaps for the present the harm to the monarchy to the crown is limited. The narrative from the institution was evidently that the stripping of designations was what the monarch, and notably other senior family members, sought.

A Shift in Position

The cessation of illusion that Andrew was doing it voluntarily. And, notably, the short statement showed plainly that the institution were siding with the accuser's version of occurrences.

Furthermore, for the initial instance they ultimately showed consideration for the victims: "The measures are considered essential, regardless of the fact that he continues to deny the accusations against him."

Finally it is presumption, self-interest and laziness that will kill the crown. In his foolishness, self-gratification and venality, Andrew seems never to have understood that lesson.