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

Royal Family Figures

Prince Andrew's removal from the final remnants of royal life has not only altered his path - it's creating waves through his family too.

Sarah Ferguson's New Status

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

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

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

"She will have lost a certain prestige over this," noted one royal commentator. "She definitely utilizes the title – even her social media profile is @TheDuchessSarah."

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

Last month, multiple organizations dropped her as ambassador after correspondence from over a decade ago revealed that she referred to Epstein her "greatest ally" and seemed to apologise for her negative comments of him.

Business Ventures and Philanthropy

Separate from her charitable activities, 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 royal commentator.

But Ferguson has been a great survivor in royal circles. She has continued bouncing back.

"She is the ultimate survivor and expert at transforming," commented one monarchy writer.

The Daughters

Princess Beatrice at event
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice seen 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 royal princesses, which they have been entitled to since birth.

Additionally there is no modification to the line of succession.

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

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

Coming Opportunities

Beatrice and Eugenie are also presently non-official royals, and while they occasionally accept positions – Princess Eugenie was recently announced as a advisor for the monarch's charity program – commentators also suggest they "can't see a scenario" in which they would advance into royal duties.

"Regarding Beatrice and Eugenie go, I think there's an appreciation of the reality that this controversy doesn't involve them, and it's not fair for it to affect them directly in the separate paths they are building for themselves," says one monarchy analyst.

"Their daughters are most unfortunate affected parties, they've had to endure quietly and have been dignified in their reserve," states another royal author.

Final Impact

Ultimately, there seems to be minimal uncertainty that the individual who will be most affected by all of this will be the Duke himself.

For someone who always liked the royal privileges, the pomp and the ceremony, the relinquishment of his honors is profoundly embarrassing.

Therefore lacking those, on a individual basis, will really matter.

Elizabeth Henry MD
Elizabeth Henry MD

A passionate digital artist and educator with over a decade of experience in illustration and design, dedicated to inspiring creativity in others.