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

In the frame appeared the Duke of York, arm-in-arm a female youth, while an associate grinned knowingly in the backdrop.

Without that photograph, shot at a gathering in 2001, few would have credited the claims of a adolescent who stated she was transported across the ocean and forced to have cursory intimate contact with a individual of the royal family?

A curious, revealing move by someone who had overtly claimed to have no known about her, claimed he could never have had sex with her, and yet handed over a large amount of family funds to settle a protracted court action.

A Long Period of Scandal

In this context, conversations of the monarchy acting decisively to distance themselves from Andrew are misguided. This affair has persisted for the majority of 15 years since that picture, and another photo of Andrew ambling pleasantly with a convicted sex offender came to light.

• Self-importance: To what extent did his brothers and sisters, perhaps even his parents, realize that Andrew was so self-entitled?
• Problematic Connections: They must have realized, if his aides and the authorities were performing their duties, that he had some deeply disreputable friends given he publicly welcomed them to estates.
• Financial Extravagance: If the monarchy did not know about his personal conduct, they certainly knew about his overspending with state resources.

Journeys were documented in royal annual reports: chopper flights from the estate to a sporting venue and back again in time for midday meal, exclusive air travel instead of scheduled services, all for the convenience of "Airmiles Andy".

World of Deference

Additionally the arrogance which required deference when he appeared in a room or the profound consciousness about his designations used on his official documents in communication to his personal acquaintances.

He managed to escape consequences while his matriarch, who unaccountably indulged him, was still alive. The sovereign did at least remove him of official roles and ceremonial ranks in the consequence of his catastrophic and, it is now clear, deceptive public statement six years ago.

Latest Events

It was only in the last two weeks that events accelerated, following the publication of books giving more troubling information of his actions and that of his associates.

More information have again revealed Andrew's belief that he could get away with deceiving about his contact with a convicted criminal.

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

Institutional Fears

The wiser family members recognized that. The primary concern is to hand down the monarchy, if not as previously at least whole and untarnished.

Over time the last 190 years trying to undo the image of earlier rulers, proving they are useful, responsible and reactive to their subjects.

Andrew was putting all that in danger in an era when deference and discretion is no longer adequate.

Consequences

Ultimately, the famously hesitant king was prodded further. There was no other option. The palace had surrendered command of the account.

Presently the loss of designations and the ongoing and permanent public humiliation that will pain Andrew the most.

• Demotion: Demoted to just Mr Mountbatten-Windsor
• Prior Instance: The initial royal to surrender his designations in contemporary era
• Armed Forces: Notably hurtful given his role in the conflict

He is still a constitutional officer, in principle able to substitute for the monarch, and he is still in the lineage to the monarchy, but none of these will actually occur.

What Lies Ahead

Can persons he meets still show respect to him? Might they still make mistakes and call him Sir? Would they say Mr,

Naturally, he is not retiring to suburbia, but to the monarchy's vast property at a monarchical property.

In that place, he will be provided by the sovereign with one of the estate properties and given some form of private allowance.

This is not his previous residence, where he paid a nominal rent for more than 20 years, and Norfolk is a bit remote, but even so it may not be far enough.

Unresolved Issues

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

• Political Pressure: Might parliament seek further action
• Monetary Probe: Or investigate the misuse of taxpayer funds
• Criminal Investigation: There may even be a law enforcement inquiry into his behavior

Perhaps for the present the harm to the monarchy to the crown is limited. The message from the institution was evidently that the revocation of titles was what the sovereign, and notably other senior family members, desired.

Changed Stance

An end to deception that Andrew was acting willingly. And, remarkably, the brief communication showed plainly that the monarchy were aligning with the accuser's account of events.

Even more, for the initial instance they eventually showed consideration for the affected individuals: "The measures are considered essential, notwithstanding the truth that he continues to deny the claims against him."

In the end it is arrogance, self-seeking and indolence that will undermine the monarchy. In his stupidity, self-indulgence and greed, Andrew appears never to have understood that lesson.