🔗 Share this article Foolishness and Monarchical Hubris Ruined Andrew, and It Could Continue Yet This episode commenced with a isolated photograph, possibly the most significant ever taken of a member of the monarchy. Present was the Baron Killyleagh, standing closely beside a teenage girl, while another individual beamed suggestively in the background. Without that snapshot, captured at a social event in 2001, few would have credited the assertions of a teenager who stated she was moved across the sea and forced to have cursory relations with a prince of the royal bloodline? An odd, revealing gesture by someone who had publicly claimed to have no been aware of her, asserted he could never have had sex with her, and yet paid millions of family resources to settle a protracted lawsuit. Over a Decade of Disgrace In this context, conversations of the royal family acting decisively to cut Andrew off are wide of the mark. This scandal has endured for the largest portion of 15 years since that image, and an additional snapshot of Andrew strolling pleasantly with a notorious individual emerged. Self-importance: For what duration did his family members, maybe even his parents, understand that Andrew was so presumptuous? Problematic Connections: They must have known, if his aides and the law enforcement were doing their jobs, that he had some extremely unsavory associates given he openly welcomed them to royal residences. Monetary Excess: If the family did not know about his intimate behaviors, they certainly knew about his overspending with public money. Journeys were printed in official documents: helicopter transfers from the estate to a golf course and back again in time for lunch, private flights instead of commercial flights, all for the benefit of "the travel enthusiast". A Life of Privilege Furthermore the presumption which required subservience when he walked into a room or the extreme awareness about his honorifics used on his letterheads in messages to his associates. He could get away with it while his parent, who inexplicably spoiled him, was still living. The sovereign did at least revoke him of public duties and honorary colonelcies in the wake of his disastrous and, it is now clear, untruthful media appearance six years ago. Recent Developments Merely in the last 14 days that events progressed rapidly, following the release of books giving more grim particulars of his behavior and that of his companions. Further disclosures have again highlighted Andrew's thinking that he could avoid lying about his contact with a notorious figure. People (and the media) were far more perceptive of the royals. There was no one of any importance to defend him, a outcome of all those years of arrogance. Institutional Fears The wiser family members recognized that. The one imperative is to pass on the institution, if not as before at least whole and untarnished. For generations the last 190 years trying to undo the reputation of earlier rulers, showing they are useful, responsible and reactive to their subjects. Andrew was putting all that in jeopardy in an time when respect and discretion is no longer enough. Aftermath Eventually, the notoriously hesitant monarch was prodded more. There was no alternative. The royal household had lost control of the narrative. Presently the loss of titles and the ongoing and permanent social disgrace that will hurt Andrew most deeply. Downgrading: Lowered to just a commoner Historical Precedent: The first royal to surrender his designations in contemporary era Naval Career: Especially stinging given his role in the Falklands war He is still a royal advisor, in principle able to act for the monarch, and he is still eighth in line to the crown, but not any of these will ever come to pass. Coming Developments Will people he encounters still show respect to him? Will they still slip up and call him Prince? Will they even say Sir, Naturally, he is not moving to an ordinary town, but to the royal family's vast property at a monarchical property. At that location, he will be supplied by the king with one of the estate properties and given some type of private allowance. This is not his previous residence, where he paid a token payment for more than 20 years, and the area is a bit distant, but even so it may not be adequate distance. Outstanding Concerns Matters remain unresolved. There are still files in the custody of US Congress to be made public. Governmental Scrutiny: Could parliament seek further action Financial Investigation: Or examine 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 institution is contained. The statement from the institution was clearly that the revocation of designations was what the monarch, and especially other senior family members, sought. Changed Stance The cessation of deception that Andrew was making the choice himself. And, remarkably, the short communication showed plainly that the monarchy were supporting the accuser's narrative of occurrences. Furthermore, for the first time they finally showed consideration for the affected individuals: "The measures are deemed necessary, regardless of the reality that he continues to deny the allegations against him." Ultimately it is presumption, self-interest and indolence that will undermine the monarchy. In his stupidity, self-gratification and greed, Andrew gives the impression never to have grasped that truth.