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

In the frame appeared the Duke of York, standing closely beside a teenage girl, while another individual beamed conspiratorially in the background.

Absent that photograph, shot at a gathering in 2001, few would have credited the assertions of a young woman who stated she was trafficked across the Atlantic and forced to have cursory sexual encounters with a prince of the royal bloodline?

A strange, indicative gesture by someone who had publicly stated to have no heard of her, claimed he could no have had relations with her, and yet provided millions of his mother's resources to resolve a protracted lawsuit.

A Long Period of Scandal

Against this backdrop, conversations of the royals acting swiftly to distance themselves from Andrew are misguided. This scandal has persisted for the majority of 15 years since that photograph, and another snapshot of Andrew ambling amiably with a notorious individual came to light.

• Arrogance: For what duration did his siblings, maybe even his relatives, realize that Andrew was so presumptuous?
• Questionable Associations: They must have realized, if his staff and the law enforcement were performing their duties, that he had some deeply disreputable companions given he unabashedly invited them to palaces.
• Financial Extravagance: If the household did not know about his intimate behaviors, they certainly knew about his extravagance with state resources.

Travel were listed in official documents: helicopter flights from the estate to a sporting venue and back again in time for midday meal, private flights instead of commercial flights, all for the benefit of "Airmiles Andy".

Existence of Entitlement

Then there was the arrogance which required subservience when he walked into a room or the profound consciousness about his designations used on his official documents in messages to his friends.

He managed to escape consequences while his mother, who unaccountably indulged him, was still alive. The monarch did at least strip him of royal responsibilities and ceremonial ranks in the wake of his ill-fated and, as revealed, deceptive television interview six years ago.

Recent Developments

It was only in the last two weeks that events accelerated, following the publication of accounts giving more disturbing particulars of his actions and that of his companions.

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

People (and the journalists) were far more perceptive of the monarchy. There was no one of any consequence to speak up for him, a result of all those years of hubris.

Institutional Fears

The wiser family members realized that. The key objective is to transfer the crown, if not as heretofore at least complete and unblemished.

Over time the last 190 years trying to reverse the legacy of past sovereigns, proving they are beneficial, accountable and reactive to their people.

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

Consequences

Finally, the notoriously uncertain monarch was prodded further. There was no alternative. The palace had lost control of the story.

Now it is the removal of designations and the persistent and lifetime personal shame that will pain Andrew most severely.

• Reduction: Demoted to just Mr Mountbatten-Windsor
• Past Example: The primary member to surrender his designations in modern times
• Naval Career: Particularly painful given his role in the engagement

He continues to be a counsellor of state, theoretically able to act for the king, and he is still in the succession to the crown, but none of these will truly happen.

Future Prospects

Will people he encounters still defer to him? Could they still forget themselves and call him Prince? Will they even say Sir,

Certainly, he is not moving to a common area, but to the monarchy's extensive estate at a royal residence.

There, he will be furnished by the sovereign with one of the grace and favour houses and given some type of personal stipend.

It is not his former home, where he paid a token payment for more than 20 years, and the area is a bit remote, but even so it may not be far enough.

Outstanding Concerns

This is not over. There are still records in the custody of American legislators to be made public.

• Governmental Scrutiny: Could lawmakers demand more
• Financial Investigation: Or scrutinize the misuse of state resources
• Legal Possibility: There may even be a law enforcement inquiry into his conduct

Maybe for the time being the harm to the monarchy to the institution is limited. The narrative from the palace was evidently that the removal of designations was what the monarch, and particularly other senior family members, wanted.

Altered Approach

An end to illusion that Andrew was acting willingly. And, notably, the concise communication showed plainly that the monarchy were supporting the complainant's narrative of incidents.

Furthermore, for the initial instance they finally showed concern for the affected individuals: "The censures are judged required, notwithstanding the fact that he maintains his innocence of the claims against him."

Finally it is arrogance, self-seeking and inactivity that will undermine the institution. In his foolishness, personal excess and corruption, Andrew gives the impression never to have learned that reality.