🔗 Share this article Stupidity and Monarchical Hubris Sunk Andrew, and It Could Continue Yet The saga started with a solitary photograph, possibly the most impactful ever captured of a individual from the royal household. Present was the Baron Killyleagh, standing closely beside a female youth, while a companion beamed conspiratorially in the backdrop. Absent that image, taken at a social event in 2001, few would have credited the assertions of a young woman who stated she was transported across the Atlantic and obliged to have cursory relations with a individual of the monarchy? A curious, revealing move by someone who had overtly asserted to have no been aware of her, asserted he could no have had intimate contact with her, and yet provided millions of monarchical money to resolve a protracted legal case. Years of Scandal In this context, talk of the monarchy acting swiftly to sever ties with Andrew are inaccurate. This affair has continued for the largest portion of 15 years since that photograph, and another photo of Andrew walking pleasantly with a notorious individual surfaced. Hubris: How long did his brothers and sisters, maybe even his relatives, understand that Andrew was so arrogant? Problematic Connections: They must have known, if his staff and the law enforcement were fulfilling their roles, that he had some highly questionable friends given he unabashedly welcomed them to palaces. Financial Extravagance: If the household did not know about his intimate behaviors, they certainly knew about his overspending with state resources. Trips were documented in royal annual reports: helicopter travel from the palace to a sporting venue and back again in time for lunch, exclusive air travel instead of regular transport, all for the convenience of "the frequent flyer". A Life of Privilege Furthermore the entitlement which demanded deference when he appeared in a room or the supreme obsession about his royal titles used on his letterheads in communication to his personal acquaintances. He managed to escape consequences while his parent, who strangely pampered him, was still living. The Queen did at least revoke him of official roles and ceremonial ranks in the consequence of his ill-fated and, as revealed, untruthful public statement six years ago. Latest Events It was only in the last fortnight that events accelerated, following the issuance of books giving more disturbing information of his behavior and that of his connections. More information have again exposed Andrew's belief that he could escape being untruthful about his interaction with a disgraced individual. The public (and the journalists) were far in advance of the royal family. There was no one of any consequence to defend him, a result of all those years of hubris. Institutional Fears The more intelligent family members realized that. The primary concern is to pass on the crown, if not as before at least complete and unstained. They have spent the last 190 years trying to overcome the reputation of previous monarchs, showing they are valuable, responsible and reactive to their subjects. Andrew was putting all that in jeopardy in an age when respect and secrecy is no longer adequate. Aftermath Finally, the notoriously indecisive monarch was pressured further. There was little choice. The palace had lost control of the account. Currently the stripping of titles and the persistent and life-long personal shame that will afflict Andrew the most. Demotion: Demoted to just a private citizen Past Example: The initial member to forfeit his titles in recent history Armed Forces: Notably hurtful given his role in the conflict He remains a royal advisor, on paper able to act for the sovereign, and he is still in the succession to the monarchy, but none of these will actually come to pass. What Lies Ahead Will people he comes across still acknowledge him? Will they still make mistakes and call him Sir? Would they say Sir, Certainly, he is not retiring to an ordinary town, but to the sovereign's vast grounds at a royal residence. At that location, he will be furnished by the king with one of the grace and favour houses and given some form of financial support. It is not his former home, where he paid a token lease for more than 20 years, and the county is a bit distant, but even so it may not be sufficiently removed. Outstanding Concerns Matters remain unresolved. There are still documents in the hands of overseas authorities to be revealed. Governmental Scrutiny: Could legislators seek further action Financial Investigation: Or investigate the waste of state resources Criminal Investigation: There may even be a law enforcement inquiry into his actions Maybe for the time being the reputational impact to the monarchy is limited. The message from the institution was clearly that the stripping of titles was what the monarch, and particularly other senior royals, desired. A Shift in Position The cessation of pretence that Andrew was acting willingly. And, remarkably, the brief communication showed evidently that the royals were siding with the complainant's account of occurrences. Furthermore, for the premiere occasion they eventually showed consideration for the survivors: "The censures are judged required, despite the truth that he maintains his innocence of the allegations against him." Ultimately it is presumption, selfishness and indolence that will destroy the institution. In his stupidity, personal excess and greed, Andrew gives the impression never to have learned that lesson.