What the Duke's Removal of Titles Signifies for Sarah Ferguson, Beatrice and Eugenie

York Family Members

Prince Andrew's exit from the last vestiges of royal life has not only altered his path - it's creating waves through his immediate relatives too.

Fergie's New Status

His ex-wife has now lost her duchess title and will now be referred to as Sarah Ferguson.

For Ferguson, 66, the change will be the most visible.

Throughout this period, she has kept the courtesy royal divorcee title Sarah, Duchess of York. Currently, she reverts to her maiden name of Ferguson.

"She will have lost a certain prestige over this," said one monarchy expert. "She definitely does use the title – even her Twitter bio is @SarahTheDuchess."

But the loss of her title may affect her much less than the scandal she's facing separately about her own links with the convicted financier.

Last month, multiple organizations removed her as patron after an email from over a decade ago revealed that she called Epstein her "greatest ally" and appeared to express regret for her negative comments of him.

Business Ventures and Charity Work

Away from her charitable activities, Ferguson also has multiple commercial enterprises.

And these, too, are more likely to be affected by the Epstein controversy than any change in title, says one royal commentator.

But Ferguson has been a remarkable endure in monarchical networks. She's kept recovering strongly.

"She's the supreme perseverer and master of reinvention," said one monarchy writer.

The Daughters

Princess Eugenie at event
Princess Eugenie and Princess Eugenie seen at a Coronation Big Lunch in 2023

For Andrew and Sarah's two daughters, Beatrice, thirty-seven, and Eugenie, thirty-five, there's no official alteration.

They continue to be known as royal princesses, which they have been granted since their birth.

Additionally there is no change to the royal succession order.

The prince stays eighth position to the throne, succeeded by his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, in ninth and twelfth position in that order.

But in practice their positions are "low down" and will likely become even more remote as years pass.

Future Prospects

Beatrice and Eugenie are also currently non-official royals, and while they occasionally take on roles – The younger princess was recently announced as a mentor for the King's Foundation network – commentators also suggest they "don't envision a scenario" in which they would advance into official responsibilities.

"As far as Beatrice and Eugenie are concerned, I think there's an understanding of the fact that this controversy isn't about them, and it's unjust for it to impact them personally in the separate paths they are building for themselves," says one royal commentator.

"The princesses are particularly unlucky victims, they've had to endure quietly and have been composed in their reserve," states another monarchy writer.

Final Impact

Ultimately, there appears to be minimal uncertainty that the individual who will be most affected by these developments will be the Duke himself.

For someone who consistently enjoyed the royal privileges, the ceremony and the pageantry, the relinquishment of his honors is profoundly embarrassing.

Therefore lacking these, on a personal level, will significantly count.

Teresa Schultz
Teresa Schultz

Seasoned gaming expert with a passion for reviewing online casinos and sharing winning strategies.