🔗 Share this article Foolishness and Regal Arrogance Sunk Andrew, and It Could Continue Yet It all began with a single photograph, perhaps the most significant ever captured of a member of the monarchy. In the frame appeared the Baron Killyleagh, arm-in-arm a teenage girl, while another individual smiled knowingly in the backdrop. Without that photograph, taken at a social event in 2001, few would have credited the assertions of a teenager who said she was transported across the sea and forced to have cursory intimate contact with a individual of the royal bloodline? An odd, indicative action by someone who had openly claimed to have not been aware of her, asserted he could not have had relations with her, and yet provided a substantial sum of monarchical funds to avert a drawn-out lawsuit. A Long Period of Disgrace In this context, conversations of the royals acting firmly to cut Andrew off are inaccurate. This scandal has endured for the largest portion of 15 years since that photograph, and another snapshot of Andrew ambling pleasantly with a disgraced financier surfaced. Arrogance: To what extent did his siblings, perhaps even his parents, understand that Andrew was so self-entitled? Questionable Associations: They must have known, if his employees and the authorities were performing their duties, that he had some deeply disreputable associates given he publicly hosted them to palaces. Monetary Excess: If the monarchy did not know about his intimate behaviors, they certainly knew about his extravagance with state resources. Journeys were printed in public records: private aircraft travel from the estate to a country club and back again in time for midday meal, exclusive air travel instead of commercial flights, all for the comfort of "the travel enthusiast". A Life of Privilege Additionally the presumption which required deference when he entered a space or the profound obsession about his royal titles used on his official documents in communication to his personal acquaintances. He could get away with it while his mother, who inexplicably pampered him, was still living. The monarch did at least remove him of royal responsibilities and military positions in the consequence of his disastrous and, it is now clear, deceptive television interview six years ago. Current Situation It was only in the last fortnight that events sped up, following the issuance of biographical works giving more troubling details of his behavior and that of his companions. Additional revelations have again highlighted Andrew's belief that he could get away with being untruthful about his contact with a notorious figure. Society (and the media) were far in advance of the royal family. There was nobody of any importance to support him, a outcome of all those years of arrogance. Monarchical Concerns The wiser family members understood that. The one imperative is to hand down the institution, if not as before at least whole and untarnished. They have spent the last 190 years trying to reverse the reputation of earlier rulers, proving they are valuable, responsible and responsive to their subjects. His actions endangered all that in jeopardy in an era when submission and privacy is no longer enough. Aftermath Ultimately, the famously uncertain monarch was prodded further. There was no other option. The palace had lost control of the story. Presently the stripping of honorifics and the ongoing and lifetime public humiliation that will afflict Andrew most deeply. Demotion: Reduced to just a private citizen Historical Precedent: The first member to lose his honorifics in modern times Armed Forces: Notably hurtful given his role in the Falklands war He continues to be a royal advisor, theoretically able to stand in for the monarch, and he is still eighth in line to the throne, but not any of these will truly come to pass. What Lies Ahead Will people he encounters still show respect to him? Could they still slip up and call him Your Highness? Would they say Sir, Of course, he is not withdrawing to a common area, but to the sovereign's vast property at a royal residence. In that place, he will be provided by the monarch with one of the royal residences and given some sort of personal stipend. This differs from his former home, where he paid a nominal rent for more than 20 years, and the area is a bit distant, but even so it may not be adequate distance. Unresolved Issues This is not over. There are still records in the possession of overseas authorities to be disclosed. Governmental Scrutiny: Will parliament seek further action Fiscal Review: Or scrutinize the misuse of taxpayer funds Judicial Potential: There may even be a criminal probe into his actions Perhaps for the present the reputational impact to the crown is contained. The statement from the institution was evidently that the removal of designations was what the monarch, and notably other senior royals, wanted. Changed Stance The cessation of pretence that Andrew was acting willingly. And, remarkably, the brief communication showed evidently that the institution were siding with the accuser's narrative of occurrences. Additionally, for the initial instance they eventually showed regard for the survivors: "The measures are judged required, notwithstanding the reality that he persists in refuting the claims against him." In the end it is entitlement, self-interest and indolence that will destroy the monarchy. In his stupidity, self-indulgence and venality, Andrew appears never to have understood that reality.