What Prince Andrew's Titles Loss Means for Sarah Ferguson, Princess Beatrice and Eugenie

York Family Members

Prince Andrew's removal from the last vestiges of monarchical duties has not only altered his path - it's creating waves through his family too.

Fergie's New Status

The former spouse has now surrendered her ducal status and will simply be known as Sarah Ferguson.

For Sarah, 66, the change will be the most apparent.

For all these years, she has kept the courtesy royal divorcee title Sarah, York Duchess. Now, she returns to her maiden name of Ferguson.

"She will have lost a bit of cachet over this," said one monarchy expert. "She definitely utilizes the title – including her social media profile is @TheDuchessSarah."

But the relinquishment of her status may impact her much less than the scandal she's facing separately about her own links with Jeffrey Epstein.

Last month, several charities removed her as patron after correspondence from over a decade ago revealed that she referred to Epstein her "greatest ally" and appeared to express regret for her public criticism of him.

Professional Endeavors and Philanthropy

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

And these ventures, are more likely to be impacted by the Epstein scandal than any alteration in status, notes one royal commentator.

But Ferguson has been a remarkable endure in royal circles. She has continued recovering strongly.

"She is the supreme perseverer and expert at transforming," said one monarchy writer.

The Princesses

Princess Eugenie during occasion
Princess Eugenie and Princess Eugenie pictured at a royal celebration in 2023

For Andrew and Sarah's offspring, Beatrice, thirty-seven, and Eugenie, 35, there's no official alteration.

They will still be known as princesses, which they have been entitled to since their birth.

There is also no modification to the royal succession order.

The prince stays eighth position to the crown, followed by his children Beatrice and Eugenie, in ninth and twelfth place in that order.

But in practice their positions are "low down" and will probably become much further down as time goes on.

Future Prospects

The princesses are also currently non-official royals, and while they do sometimes take on roles – The younger princess was recently announced as a mentor for the King's Foundation network – experts also say they "can't see a scenario" in which they would step up into official responsibilities.

"As far as Beatrice and Eugenie are concerned, I think there's an appreciation of the fact that this controversy isn't about them, and it's unjust for it to impact them directly in the independent lives they are carving out for themselves," says one royal commentator.

"The princesses are most unfortunate victims, they've had to suffer in silence and have been dignified in their silence," states another royal author.

Ultimate Consequences

Ultimately, there seems to be little doubt that the person who will be most impacted by these developments will be Prince Andrew himself.

For a man who always liked the royal privileges, the pomp and the ceremony, the relinquishment of his honors is deeply humiliating.

Therefore lacking these, on a individual basis, will significantly count.

Meredith Quinn
Meredith Quinn

A passionate web developer and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in creating innovative digital solutions.