Royal Family's attempt to get distance from Prince Andrew is an act of self-preservationBuckingham Palace's 42-word announcement that Prince Andrew had lost his military affiliations and royal patronages was remarkably terse, but it was also remarkably symbolic, representing how far his reputation has fallen in recent years, along with how focused the institution of the monarchy can be as it looks toward its future.

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U.S. court rejected bid from Queen's second son to toss sex abuse lawsuit filed against him

Janet Davison · CBC News(Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

He has vehemently denied the allegations at the heart of the lawsuit that alleges that two decades ago, he sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre, a 17-year-old American who says she was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender who died by suicide in jail in 2019 and was a friend of the prince.

The court of public opinion, however, has been moving toward its own judgment. An interview Andrew did a few years back with the BBC regarding his friendship with Epstein was widely regarded as a train wreck.

"For a number of years, certainly after that disastrous [BBC] interview in 2019, it's been very clear that he's not going to be able to return to an active public role within the Royal Family," said Harris.

It's a notable fall for a member of the Royal Family who Harris says was once reasonably popular, especially after his military service during the Falklands War in 1982. 

But some of the sheen wore off over the years, with tabloids dubbing him Air Miles Andy, given the expenses-paid travel he racked up as a U.K. trade envoy. 

WATCH | Prince Andrew loses patronages and military affiliations:

Prince Andrew stripped of royal titles, patronages

11 days agoDuration 1:58Prince Andrew has been stripped of his military affiliations, royal patronages and the title 'His Royal Highness' a day after a New York judge rejected his bid to throw out a sexual abuse lawsuit against him.23:54

There are few if any direct precedents for what is unfolding here. Royals in generations past have hardly been immune to scandal or becoming involved in court proceedings, but Andrew's case — particularly, the allegation of sexual abuse involving a minor — is unique.

"The ones that come to mind are the financial scandals or …  marital scandals," said Harris. "The precise circumstances that Prince Andrew is facing and the legal proceedings that are underway do not seem to have a direct parallel."

All this also transpires as the Royal Family focuses on a smaller central core of senior working members, something thought to be a priority for Prince Charles, particularly when he becomes King.

WATCH | Prince Andrew High School in Nova Scotia will get a new name:

Nova Scotia high school plans to remove Prince Andrew’s name

4 days agoDuration 2:02Not wanting to be associated with the disgraced Duke of York, Prince Andrew High School in Dartmouth, N.S., is planning to change its name.NewsReport Typo or Error|Corrections and Clarifications

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