While the platinum jubilee celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Queen's reign is the focus of the Royal Family's attention at the moment, Prince Andrew's sexual abuse scandal continues to stir beneath the surface of the celebratory mood. Last month, a New York judge refused to dismiss a claim against the Duke of York brought by Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was sexually abused by the duke when she was 17 years old, in connection with Prince Andrew's friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Prince Andrew denied the allegations and last week demanded a jury trial at a trial date set for late 2022.

Prince Andrew remains a thorn in the side of the office as the royal family looks to the future of the monarchy, as in the Queen's statement declaring that Camilla should receive the title of "Queen" when Prince Charles takes the throne. A trial, especially if decided by a jury, could do irreparable damage to an already weakened monarchy. He has already been stripped of his titles and patronage, but some fear that delaying this move is too late to stem the damage. And according to one royal expert, no one is more concerned about this than Prince Charles and Prince William. [Prince Charles and Prince William are aware that their connection to Prince Andrew would be enormously damaging to the monarchy." He added that "all senior royals are likely to be very concerned at the prospect of the civil trial he is facing being tried before a jury."

Fitzwilliam also said that, as many others have speculated, the stripping of military titles and patronage is a "withdrawal of public support" from within the clan. While Andrew's disappearance from public life may not further damage the Royal Family's reputation by eliminating photo opportunities for Prince Charles and the Duke, his future court appearances would be a major, highly publicized issue for the family.