Although King Charles has ordered Andrew to leave Royal Lodge and move to a smaller residence on the Sandringham estate, the transition is expected to take months. And even the new home — while more modest — remains a comfortable refuge on a vast private royal estate.

This, McDermott argues, is the heart of the story: that while Andrew has suffered unprecedented public humiliation, the material reality of his life remains protected by privilege, wealth and the infrastructure of the Royal Family.

His housing, security arrangements and daily needs continue to be supported privately. He retains his military pension and medals earned during 22 years in the Royal Navy, including service in the Falklands War. And despite losing his public identity, he still benefits from the royal machine that surrounds him.

According to McDermott, Andrew’s post-scandal existence is defined by contradictions:

He is isolated, yet protected.
Disgraced, yet insulated.
Stripped of position, yet still wrapped in generational privilege.

His world has undeniably shrunk — but its comfort has not.