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It all began with a isolated photograph, perhaps the most significant ever snapped of a royal family member.

In the frame appeared the Earl of Inverness, with his arm around a young woman, while another individual smiled conspiratorially in the backdrop.

Absent that photograph, shot at a gathering in 2001, few would have credited the allegations of a teenager who stated she was moved across the Atlantic and obliged to have brief relations with a individual of the royal bloodline?

A strange, telling action by someone who had overtly stated to have no known about her, said he could not have had sex with her, and yet provided a large amount of family funds to resolve a long-delayed legal case.

Years of Scandal

In this context, discussions of the royals acting decisively to sever ties with Andrew are wide of the mark. This scandal has continued for the better part of 15 years since that picture, and an additional snapshot of Andrew walking pleasantly with a convicted sex offender emerged.

• Self-importance: For what duration did his siblings, perhaps even his relatives, understand that Andrew was so self-entitled?
• Dubious Friendships: They must have understood, if his staff and the police were fulfilling their roles, that he had some deeply disreputable companions given he publicly hosted them to royal residences.
• Monetary Excess: If the household did not know about his intimate behaviors, they certainly knew about his overspending with taxpayer funds.

Travel were printed in public records: private aircraft transfers from the royal residence to a sporting venue and back again in time for dining, private flights instead of scheduled services, all for the benefit of "the frequent flyer".

Existence of Entitlement

Additionally the entitlement which demanded deference when he entered a room or the extreme consciousness about his royal titles used on his letterheads in communication to his personal acquaintances.

He managed to escape consequences while his parent, who unaccountably spoiled him, was still alive. The Queen did at least revoke him of royal responsibilities and military positions in the aftermath of his disastrous and, as revealed, deceptive television interview six years ago.

Latest Events

It was only in the last two weeks that events sped up, following the issuance of books giving more grim information of his conduct and that of his connections.

More information have again revealed Andrew's belief that he could escape lying about his interaction with a disgraced individual.

People (and the press) were far more perceptive of the royal family. There was no one of any importance to speak up for him, a consequence of all those years of presumption.

Institutional Fears

The more intelligent monarchical figures realized that. The primary concern is to transfer the crown, if not as before at least complete and untarnished.

They have spent the last 190 years trying to overcome the reputation of previous monarchs, proving they are beneficial, responsible and reactive to their people.

His actions endangered all that in peril in an age when respect and privacy is no longer adequate.

Consequences

Ultimately, the notoriously uncertain sovereign was pressured additional. There was little choice. The institution had surrendered command of the narrative.

Currently the removal of honorifics and the ongoing and life-long public humiliation that will pain Andrew most deeply.

• Downgrading: Reduced to just a commoner
• Historical Precedent: The initial monarch to surrender his titles in recent history
• Military Service: Especially hurtful given his service in the conflict

He is still a constitutional officer, theoretically able to substitute for the monarch, and he is still in the lineage to the monarchy, but not any of these will ever come to pass.

What Lies Ahead

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

Naturally, he is not retiring to a common area, but to the royal family's vast estate at a monarchical property.

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

This is not his prior accommodation, where he paid a token rent for more than 20 years, and the county is a bit distant, but even so it may not be far enough.

Pending Matters

Matters remain unresolved. There are still files in the possession of overseas authorities to be revealed.

• Political Pressure: Could lawmakers request additional information
• Monetary Probe: Or examine the improper use of state resources
• Criminal Investigation: There may even be a law enforcement inquiry into his conduct

Maybe for the present the institutional damage to the monarchy is limited. The narrative from the palace was clearly that the removal of titles was what the king, and especially other senior family members, desired.

Changed Stance

An end to deception that Andrew was making the choice himself. And, significantly, the brief statement showed clearly that the institution were supporting the victim's account of events.

Furthermore, for the premiere occasion they finally showed concern for the survivors: "These actions are considered essential, regardless of the reality that he maintains his innocence of the accusations against him."

Ultimately it is entitlement, selfishness and inactivity that will undermine the crown. In his foolishness, self-gratification and venality, Andrew gives the impression never to have understood that truth.