🔗 Share this article Folly and Regal Arrogance Sunk Andrew, and It May Not Be Over Yet This episode commenced with a single photograph, arguably the most significant ever snapped of a member of the monarchy. In the frame appeared the Baron Killyleagh, with his arm around a female youth, while an associate smiled suggestively in the backdrop. Absent that photograph, taken at a social event in 2001, few would have credited the claims of a young woman who said she was trafficked across the Atlantic and compelled to have cursory sexual encounters with a individual of the monarchy? A strange, telling gesture by someone who had publicly stated to have no been aware of her, said he could never have had intimate contact with her, and yet handed over millions of his mother's funds to avert a drawn-out court action. Over a Decade of Controversy Considering this, discussions of the monarchy acting decisively to sever ties with Andrew are wide of the mark. This affair has continued for the better part of 15 years since that picture, and another image of Andrew strolling amiably with a convicted sex offender surfaced. Self-importance: For what duration did his brothers and sisters, possibly even his relatives, understand that Andrew was so arrogant? Questionable Associations: They must have realized, if his aides and the police were fulfilling their roles, that he had some deeply disreputable companions given he unabashedly invited them to estates. Financial Extravagance: If the monarchy did not know about his sexual proclivities, they certainly knew about his wastefulness with public money. Travel were listed in public records: helicopter transfers from the royal residence to a country club and back again in time for midday meal, chartered planes instead of commercial flights, all for the convenience of "the travel enthusiast". World of Deference Furthermore the arrogance which expected subservience when he appeared in a space or the supreme consciousness about his royal titles used on his official documents in letters to his friends. He avoided accountability while his mother, who inexplicably pampered him, was still surviving. The monarch did at least revoke him of official roles and military positions in the consequence of his disastrous and, as revealed, mendacious public statement six years ago. Recent Developments It was only in the last two weeks that events sped up, following the publication of books giving more disturbing details of his actions and that of his connections. Further disclosures have again revealed Andrew's belief that he could get away with lying about his interaction with a notorious figure. Society (and the press) were far in advance of the monarchy. There was no one of any significance to defend him, a consequence of all those years of arrogance. Monarchical Concerns The wiser family members understood that. The key objective is to transfer the monarchy, if not as heretofore at least complete and untarnished. Over time the last 190 years trying to undo the reputation of previous monarchs, demonstrating they are beneficial, dutiful and reactive to their people. His actions endangered all that in danger in an era when submission and privacy is no longer enough. The Fallout Eventually, the notoriously hesitant king was pressured additional. There was little choice. The palace had surrendered command of the narrative. Currently the removal of titles and the ongoing and permanent social disgrace that will afflict Andrew most deeply. Downgrading: Demoted to just Mr Mountbatten-Windsor Prior Instance: The initial monarch to surrender his designations in contemporary era Armed Forces: Especially stinging given his service in the Falklands war He is still a counsellor of state, in principle able to stand in for the monarch, and he is still eighth in line to the throne, but neither of these will truly come to pass. What Lies Ahead Can persons he comes across still defer to him? Might they still slip up and call him Sir? Would they say Sir, Certainly, he is not moving to a common area, but to the sovereign's large property at a royal residence. At that location, he will be supplied by the sovereign with one of the estate properties and given some sort of private allowance. It is not his prior accommodation, where he paid a minimal rent for more than 20 years, and the county is a bit far, but even so it may not be sufficiently removed. Unresolved Issues The situation continues. There are still files in the possession of US Congress to be disclosed. Governmental Scrutiny: Could lawmakers seek further action Financial Investigation: Or investigate the improper use of state resources Judicial Potential: There may even be a criminal probe into his conduct Perhaps for the time being the institutional damage to the monarchy is contained. The message from the palace was plainly that the stripping of honorifics was what the king, and notably other senior royals, desired. A Shift in Position An end to pretence that Andrew was making the choice himself. And, remarkably, the concise communication showed plainly that the monarchy were aligning with the victim's version of events. Even more, for the premiere occasion they ultimately showed concern for the victims: "The measures are deemed necessary, regardless of the reality that he persists in refuting the allegations against him." Finally it is presumption, self-interest and laziness that will undermine the institution. In his foolishness, self-indulgence and greed, Andrew gives the impression never to have learned that truth.