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

Royal Family Figures

The Duke's exit from the last vestiges of royal life has not only altered his path - it's sending ripples 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 Ferguson, sixty-six, the change will be the most visible.

For all these years, she has kept the courtesy royal post-marital designation Sarah, Duchess of York. Currently, she returns to her birth name of Ferguson.

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

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

Last month, multiple organizations removed her as patron after correspondence from over a decade ago revealed that she referred to Epstein her "greatest ally" and seemed to apologise for her public criticism of him.

Professional Endeavors and Philanthropy

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

And these, too, are more probable to be affected by the Epstein controversy than any change in title, says one monarchy analyst.

But Ferguson has been a remarkable endure in royal circles. She's kept bouncing back.

"She is the ultimate survivor and master of reinvention," said one monarchy writer.

The Princesses

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

For the couple's offspring, Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, thirty-five, there's no official alteration.

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

Additionally there is no modification to the line of succession.

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

But in reality their positions are "distant" and will probably become even more remote as years pass.

Coming Opportunities

The princesses are also presently non-working royals, and while they do sometimes accept positions – The younger princess was recently named as a advisor for the King's Foundation program – commentators also suggest they "can't see a world" in which they would step up into official responsibilities.

"Regarding Beatrice and Eugenie are concerned, I think there's an understanding of the reality that this controversy isn't about them, and it's unjust for it to affect them directly in the separate paths they are carving out for themselves," explains one monarchy analyst.

"Their daughters are most unfortunate victims, they've had to suffer in silence and have been dignified in their reserve," adds another monarchy writer.

Ultimate Consequences

Ultimately, there appears to be little doubt that the individual who will be most impacted by these developments will be the Duke himself.

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

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

Patrick Page
Patrick Page

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger with a passion for sharing practical advice and inspiring stories.