How Prince Andrew's Removal of Titles Means for Fergie, Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

York Family Figures

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

Sarah Ferguson's Title Change

His ex-wife has now surrendered her ducal status and will simply be known as Sarah Ferguson.

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

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

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

But the relinquishment of her status may affect her much less than the scandal she's dealing with independently about her own links with the convicted financier.

Last month, several charities dropped her as patron after an email from 2011 showed that she referred to Epstein her "greatest ally" and seemed to apologise for her public criticism of him.

Professional Endeavors and Philanthropy

Separate from her philanthropy, Ferguson also has various business ventures.

And these, too, are more probable to be impacted by the Epstein scandal than any alteration in status, says one monarchy analyst.

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

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

The Princesses

Princess Beatrice during occasion
Princess Eugenie and Princess Eugenie seen at a Coronation Big Lunch in 2023

For Andrew and Sarah's offspring, Beatrice, thirty-seven, and Eugenie, 35, 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 modification to the line of succession.

The prince stays eighth in line to the throne, succeeded by his children Beatrice and Eugenie, in ninth and twelfth position respectively.

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

Coming Opportunities

The princesses are also currently non-official royals, and while they occasionally accept positions – The younger princess was recently named as a mentor for the King's Foundation program – experts also say they "can't see a world" in which they would advance into royal duties.

"Regarding Beatrice and Eugenie go, I think there's an appreciation of the fact that this scandal 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 monarchy analyst.

"The princesses are most unfortunate affected parties, they've had to endure quietly and have been dignified in their silence," adds another monarchy writer.

Ultimate Consequences

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

For someone who consistently enjoyed the trappings of royalty, the pomp and the ceremony, the loss of his titles is profoundly embarrassing.

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

Chad Thompson
Chad Thompson

A passionate gamer and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in reviewing and writing about the gaming industry.