🔗 Share this article Folly and Monarchical Hubris Damaged Andrew, and It Could Continue Yet This episode commenced with a solitary photograph, possibly the most significant ever snapped of a member of the monarchy. There stood the Duke of York, standing closely beside a female youth, while an associate beamed suggestively in the rear. Without that snapshot, shot at a party in 2001, it would have been difficult to accept the allegations of a teenager who stated she was trafficked across the Atlantic and compelled to have perfunctory relations with a individual of the monarchy? A strange, revealing move by someone who had publicly stated to have never heard of her, said he could no have had relations with her, and yet provided a large amount of monarchical funds to avert a long-delayed court action. Over a Decade of Disgrace Considering this, discussions of the royals acting firmly to distance themselves from Andrew are misguided. This affair has continued for the largest portion of 15 years since that photograph, and another photo of Andrew strolling congenially with a notorious individual came to light. Hubris: For what duration did his siblings, maybe even his parents, know that Andrew was so arrogant? Questionable Associations: They must have understood, if his employees and the police were fulfilling their roles, that he had some highly questionable companions given he openly invited them to estates. Financial Extravagance: If the household did not know about his personal conduct, they certainly knew about his wastefulness with taxpayer funds. Journeys were printed in public records: private aircraft travel from the palace to a golf course and back again in time for midday meal, chartered planes instead of commercial flights, all for the comfort of "the travel enthusiast". Existence of Entitlement Furthermore the presumption which required subservience when he appeared in a area or the profound consciousness about his royal titles used on his letterheads in messages to his friends. He avoided accountability while his mother, who unaccountably indulged him, was still living. The Queen did at least remove him of official roles and military positions in the consequence of his catastrophic and, it is now clear, mendacious public statement six years ago. Latest Events Just in the last two weeks that events sped up, following the publication of biographical works giving more disturbing details of his conduct and that of his associates. More information have again highlighted Andrew's thinking that he could avoid lying about his relationship with a notorious figure. Society (and the press) were far ahead of the monarchy. There was no one of any consequence to defend him, a consequence of all those years of arrogance. Monarchical Concerns The more intelligent monarchical figures recognized that. The one imperative is to pass on the monarchy, if not as before at least intact and unstained. For generations the last 190 years trying to undo the reputation of earlier rulers, showing they are beneficial, dutiful and attentive to their people. Andrew was putting all that in jeopardy in an age when submission and privacy is no longer adequate. The Fallout Eventually, the notoriously hesitant sovereign was prodded more. There was no other option. The institution had surrendered command of the story. Currently the removal of designations and the ongoing and life-long social disgrace that will pain Andrew most deeply. Demotion: Lowered to just a commoner Past Example: The first member to surrender his designations in recent history Armed Forces: Especially hurtful given his role in the conflict He continues to be a counsellor of state, in principle able to stand in for the sovereign, and he is still in the succession to the crown, but not any of these will actually happen. Coming Developments Will people he encounters still acknowledge him? Could they still slip up and call him Prince? Will they even say Mr, Of course, he is not retiring to an ordinary town, but to the monarchy's extensive property at a monarchical property. In that place, he will be furnished by the monarch with one of the grace and favour houses and given some sort of personal stipend. This differs from his previous residence, where he paid a minimal rent for more than 20 years, and the area is a bit far, but even so it may not be sufficiently removed. Outstanding Concerns Matters remain unresolved. There are still records in the custody of overseas authorities to be made public. Parliamentary Interest: Will parliament seek further action Monetary Probe: Or investigate the misuse of taxpayer funds Criminal Investigation: There may even be a law enforcement inquiry into his conduct Possibly for the time being the harm to the monarchy to the monarchy is contained. The narrative from the palace was evidently that the revocation of designations was what the king, and notably other senior royals, sought. Altered Approach The cessation of deception that Andrew was making the choice himself. And, remarkably, the brief statement showed clearly that the institution were supporting the complainant's narrative of occurrences. Additionally, for the first time they eventually showed consideration for the victims: "These actions are considered essential, despite the reality that he continues to deny the allegations against him." Ultimately it is entitlement, self-interest and indolence that will undermine the institution. In his folly, self-indulgence and corruption, Andrew appears never to have learned that reality.