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This episode commenced with a solitary photograph, possibly the most consequential ever captured of a member of the monarchy.

In the frame appeared the Baron Killyleagh, with his arm around a female youth, while another individual beamed suggestively in the backdrop.

Absent that snapshot, captured at a gathering in 2001, it would have been difficult to accept the assertions of a adolescent who said she was transported across the sea and obliged to have perfunctory relations with a member of the royal family?

An odd, telling move by someone who had publicly stated to have never heard of her, said he could never have had relations with her, and yet provided a substantial sum of his mother's resources to resolve a protracted court action.

Over a Decade of Disgrace

In this context, conversations of the monarchy acting decisively to distance themselves from Andrew are misguided. This scandal has persisted for the majority of 15 years since that image, and another image of Andrew ambling amiably with a notorious individual emerged.

• Self-importance: How long did his brothers and sisters, perhaps even his parents, realize that Andrew was so self-entitled?
• Problematic Connections: They must have known, if his staff and the authorities were performing their duties, that he had some deeply disreputable friends given he openly invited them to palaces.
• Fiscal Irresponsibility: If the monarchy did not know about his intimate behaviors, they certainly knew about his wastefulness with taxpayer funds.

Trips were listed in official documents: private aircraft transfers from the royal residence to a golf course and back again in time for lunch, chartered planes instead of scheduled services, all for the benefit of "the frequent flyer".

A Life of Privilege

Furthermore the presumption which required respect when he walked into a space or the profound awareness about his honorifics used on his official documents in letters to his personal acquaintances.

He avoided accountability while his parent, who unaccountably indulged him, was still surviving. The sovereign did at least remove him of official roles and ceremonial ranks in the consequence of his ill-fated and, as revealed, deceptive media appearance six years ago.

Latest Events

Just in the last fortnight that events progressed rapidly, following the issuance of books giving more disturbing particulars of his conduct and that of his associates.

More information have again exposed Andrew's assumption that he could get away with being untruthful about his relationship with a convicted criminal.

People (and the press) were far more perceptive of the royals. There was no one of any consequence to support him, a result of all those years of arrogance.

Monarchical Concerns

The more intelligent family members understood that. The primary concern is to pass on the crown, if not as heretofore at least whole and unstained.

Over time the last 190 years trying to reverse the legacy of previous monarchs, proving they are useful, dutiful and responsive to their citizens.

He was placing all that in peril in an era when submission and secrecy is no longer enough.

The Fallout

Eventually, the well-known indecisive monarch was prodded more. There was no alternative. The palace had relinquished authority of the narrative.

Presently the removal of titles and the continued and life-long personal shame that will afflict Andrew most severely.

• Reduction: Lowered to just a private citizen
• Historical Precedent: The initial member to lose his honorifics in modern times
• Naval Career: Notably stinging given his service in the Falklands war

He continues to be a constitutional officer, in principle able to act for the sovereign, and he is still eighth in line to the crown, but not any of these will truly come to pass.

Future Prospects

Do individuals he comes across still show respect to him? Could they still make mistakes and call him Sir? Will they even say Mr,

Of course, he is not moving to suburbia, but to the royal family's vast property at Sandringham.

There, he will be furnished by the monarch with one of the royal residences and given some form of private allowance.

This is not his prior accommodation, where he paid a token rent for more than 20 years, and the area is a bit remote, but even so it may not be sufficiently removed.

Pending Matters

The situation continues. There are still documents in the hands of American legislators to be made public.

• Political Pressure: Could lawmakers seek further action
• Fiscal Review: Or investigate the waste of state resources
• Judicial Potential: There may even be a law enforcement inquiry into his actions

Maybe for the moment the institutional damage to the crown is limited. The statement from the royal household was plainly that the removal of designations was what the monarch, and particularly other senior monarchical figures, sought.

Changed Stance

The cessation of deception that Andrew was making the choice himself. And, remarkably, the short communication showed plainly that the royals were siding with the victim's version of events.

Additionally, for the premiere occasion they eventually showed consideration for the survivors: "The measures are deemed necessary, regardless of the truth that he persists in refuting the claims against him."

In the end it is arrogance, self-interest and indolence that will kill the crown. In his stupidity, self-gratification and venality, Andrew appears never to have grasped that lesson.