The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office has plunged the British monarchy into its gravest crisis in a generation, leaving an indelible taint on King Charles's reign and raising profound questions about the institution's future. The public image of the disgraced former prince, appearing shell-shocked after 11 hours in custody, has become a potent symbol of the turmoil. This unprecedented event has prompted calls for decisive action, particularly regarding his continued presence in the line of succession and as a Counsellor of State.

Amidst the escalating scandal, Prince William's character, often perceived as measured, is being re-evaluated. Fiercely opinionated in private, his public pronouncements have been cautious, leading to a view of him as a reluctant royal actor. However, as the Andrew affair deepens, William's resolve and steeliness are becoming undeniable. He is seen as a decisive figure, determined to deal with events that threaten the monarchy's existence. His frustration with the institution's handling of the Andrew affair is clear, with a prevailing view among those close to the Royal Family that a true clean slate can only occur upon his and Catherine's ascension to the Throne.

William and Catherine have already worked to rebuild the Royal Family's image following Prince Harry's exit. Their popularity is high, with 74% of Britons holding a positive opinion of them, and they possess a natural ability to connect with the public, reminiscent of William’s late mother. Their united front and mutual devotion are evident. A recent biography revealed their ruthless decision to sever ties with ITV News anchor Tom Bradby, a former confidant, after he helmed a documentary giving Harry and Meghan a platform for their grievances. William felt betrayed by Bradby, believing the film 'crossed a line' by not challenging the Sussexes sufficiently on alleged bullying rumors.

This unwavering stance is not an isolated incident. William has previously demonstrated his implacable character, such as confronting a photographer near his Norfolk home, accusing him of 'stalking' his children. Sources indicate that household staff, royal aides, and even family members tread carefully around William, mindful of his mood swings and occasional fiery temperament. He famously refused the King's request to provide written acknowledgment of security risks for flying his family in one helicopter and consistently chooses not to wear a kilt, unlike his father, despite holding Scottish titles.

Nowhere is William's firmness more evident than on the Andrew saga. After his uncle's catastrophic BBC Newsnight interview in 2019, William demanded immediate action, reportedly insisting Andrew 'shouldn’t be anywhere near the family under any circumstances'. His visible discomfort at Andrew's presence at the Duchess of Kent's funeral last year, where he barely acknowledged his uncle and appeared 'boiling with anger' at a 'crass intervention', speaks volumes. William's intervention at the 2022 Order of the Garter ceremony, where he threatened to withdraw if Andrew attended in regalia, forced Andrew to stand aside and undoubtedly saved the family from further embarrassment. Unlike his father, who tends to cool down and forgive, William maintains an uncompromising attitude, especially towards those he feels have wronged the institution. A source close to the King notes, 'The Prince of Wales doesn’t have the same forgiving attitude.'

King Charles, despite his own short fuse, is known to simmer down and move on. However, the Andrew affair has forced him to act firmly. He previously stripped his brother of his dukedom, princely birthright, honors, and house after fresh revelations about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, emphasizing his primary thoughts were with victims of sexual abuse. While acknowledging the public's anger and calls for immediate action, the King's role as a monarch differs from that of a politician; he ensures continuity rather than offering running commentary or interfering with due legal process. His statement post-arrest clearly stated, 'the law must take its course,' and he reiterated his 'full support and co-operation' with the investigation, a stance supported by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Government plans are underway to remove Andrew from the line of succession, a move supported by four out of five Britons, according to a YouGov poll. While Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne and a Counsellor of State, legislative action, possibly a short Bill or an amendment to the Succession to the Crown Act of 2013, will be required. This complex process would necessitate the consent of all 14 Commonwealth realms where the King is head of state. Changes made in 2022 already ensured Andrew and Prince Harry would not be required to serve as Counsellors of State by adding Prince Edward and Princess Anne to the list. Removing Andrew's dukedom from the Roll of the Peerage has occurred, but Parliament would need to legislate to remove the title of Duke of York entirely. There is also a strong possibility of parliamentary inquiries into Andrew's past role as a UK trade envoy from 2001 to 2011, with allegations of him pestering ministers for a bigger role, struggling to distinguish public from private interests, and concerns about potential illegality.

The King is reportedly adamant that no legal costs for Andrew's defense should fall on the public purse. While it is hoped Andrew will fund his defense himself, the monarch is prepared to privately cover costs if necessary, despite potential constitutional complications given the prosecution by the Crown Prosecution Service. Sources suggest Andrew is not a 'man of limitless resources,' with the King having reinstated his annual stipend from his personal fortune and funded his move to Sandringham to encourage him out of Royal Lodge.

The impact of Andrew's arrest also extends to his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. Described as 'utterly horrified' and 'very distressed,' the sisters face the difficult task of distancing themselves from any wrongdoing while supporting their flawed father. They are reportedly holding 'crisis talks' and grappling with doubts about the source of funds their father provided for their upbringing. There is pressure for them to consider stepping back from royal privileges, including their HRH titles and charitable ventures, to mitigate the 'toxic fallout.' Eugenie, known for her outspokenness, and Beatrice, who is aware of her father's mental health struggles, are navigating complex loyalties. Sarah Ferguson, also 'in constant tears and very distressed,' is deemed vulnerable by association and her hopes for a comeback are seen as 'doomed,' with her charities and businesses having collapsed. Her police protection officers have been ordered to share any relevant information they witnessed during their service with him, raising questions about what was potentially overlooked during his visits with Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew' has once again enlisted the services of criminal defence solicitor Gary Bloxsome, known as 'Good News Gary' for his optimistic outlook and ability to prevent cases from reaching court. Bloxsome has been a central figure in Andrew's legal strategy since 2020, helping him navigate sex abuse allegations and avoid interviews with American authorities. His reputation as a 'pre-eminent pre charge' lawyer who successfully defends 'ultra-high-net worth individuals' makes him a crucial asset in Andrew's biggest crisis yet. Police searches continue at his former home, Royal Lodge in Windsor, as well as his current temporary residence at Wood Farm Cottage, Sandringham. The King and his advisers are acutely aware that the monarchy must change to survive and regain public affection. As the late Queen and her courtiers often quoted from 'The Leopard,' 'If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change.' This advice is now more pertinent than ever for the Royal Family as they face the implications of the Andrew affair.