The Former Prince Andrew

Andrew – his options in life

He has some options about how he goes about his future life, from continuing denial to ‘making a clean breast of things’.  In practical terms his options look relatively limited.

Only he knows what further skeletons might be in the closet.  And he might not disclose them to anybody from whom he seeks advice. 

The first option is continual denial or say nothing (neither confirm not deny).  The trouble is that the Guiffre settlement looks dreadful – so saying nothing is not really an option – and denial (of everything) just does not ring true.

He could try going for the ‘I really can’t remember anything’ (not only does he not sweat, he also has memory problems….).  An oft used public relations strategy (it avoids perjury).  But nobody will believe he can’t remember private jets flight sharing with young women.

He could try offering to assist the police (Feds) in a public minded fashion.  This probably involves an admission regarding Guiffre – at the very least that he did in fact meet her.  But he’d have to admit to the flights and so on – presumably claiming that he thought all the girls were student girlfriends of Epstein’s daughter or whoever…… But he’s have to name some at least of the other men involved. If this was nothing but the truth, it might help rehabilitate him.

But clearly if one more significant thing emerged – a photo of him with a partially dressed girl for example, this option would explode in his face.  But if he doesn’t go for this option, it implies he is hiding something.

Full disclosure could conceivably be the way forward.  So to speak, get it all out on the table, before it becomes public anyway, with emails, pictures, videos and so on.  It is often said ‘follow the money’ – has Andrew paid for other massages, paid girls in a manner on the record, gifts, or whatever. 

The problem is that in America ‘underage’ sex is a significant offence (I think this could include ‘conspiring’ to traffic girls across State lines (Federal offence)).  And if he does not fully confess, he can be had for perjury too….. And presumably any argument about ‘Royal’ immunity has gone, even if anything happened while he was a  ‘Royal’?

He could flee to Abu Dhabi – but with no social circle/influence – and still face posible extradition.

He could follow the example of Gary Glitter, enjoy the company of young women in Vietnam – but far from his family, and no doubt followed everywhere by journalists…..

If he could manage a Welsh accent, maybe sheep farming in Patagonia could be a good solution (at least from Charles and William’s viewpoint. Only ‘purgatory’ would be further away….

He could opt for plastic surgery, a fitness course, and join the French  Foreign Legion, with a french name and passport in due course….. (unless rumbled by his arrogant attitude and so on…)

You could wonder about his mental health – what will he do.  His status has collapsed, no doubt he will blame others not himself.  But it wouldn’t surprise if his future role was mainly that of a depressed man, possibly with a degree of suicidal ideation…

And it should be noted, his settlement with Guiffre committed him to making some social amends.  Had he done that, volunteered, albeit difficult if the beneficial  causes would bring him in to contact with potentially vulnerable women – but he could have volunteered in a central London late night soup kitchen or homeless shelter.  Done with  humility, it could have improved his standing.

He could have offered his many spare rooms to the homeless, or people from Ukraine. 

If he took in Ukrainian families (with a chaperone or two!), he could have been seen helping get the kids to school, organising birthday  parties for the kids.  He could have helped fund getting the families together, as and when their fighting husbands got R&R breaks.

Maybe helped raise money for Ukraine’s fight – donated some of his own wealth – finessing his own military record. Funding, say, top of the range personal protection equipment, bullet proof jackets, the best helmets and boots.  Be seen supporting them on the ground.

Maybe even being seen to facilitate a ‘Xmas record’ – quietly in the background but visible – maybe thereby funding portable gas heaters and gas bottles to help Ukrainian families cope with their bitter winters.

 And Fergie could have been seen giving a hand, supporting the families, and thereby doing something positive for her reputation.

I t would have been a long haul, no ‘quick fix’.  But it might also have helped fill his life with something worthwhile.

But all of that is too late now, a  missed opportunity.  Presumably because of his sense of entitlement (and stupidity).