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

York Family Members

Prince Andrew's exit from the last vestiges of royal life has not only reshaped his future - it's creating waves through his family too.

Sarah Ferguson's Title Change

The former spouse has now lost her duchess title and will now be referred to as Sarah Ferguson.

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

Throughout this period, she has kept the courtesy royal post-marital designation Sarah, York Duchess. Currently, she returns to her birth name of Ferguson.

"She will have lost a bit of cachet over this," noted one royal commentator. "She certainly does use the title – even her Twitter bio is @TheDuchessSarah."

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, several charities dropped her as patron after an email from 2011 revealed that she called Epstein her "supreme friend" and seemed to apologise for her negative comments of him.

Professional Endeavors and Charity Work

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

And these, too, are more probable to be impacted by the Epstein scandal 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 supreme perseverer and master of reinvention," said one monarchy writer.

The Daughters

Princess Eugenie during occasion
Princess Eugenie and Princess Eugenie pictured at a Coronation Big Lunch in last year

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

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

Additionally there is no change to the line of succession.

Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne, followed by his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, in ninth and twelfth place in that order.

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

Coming Opportunities

The princesses are also currently non-working royals, and while they occasionally take on roles – Princess Eugenie was recently named as a mentor for the King's Foundation program – experts also say they "don't envision a world" in which they would step up into official responsibilities.

"As far as Beatrice and Eugenie go, I think there's an understanding of the reality that this scandal isn't about them, and it's unjust for it to impact them directly in the independent lives they are building for themselves," explains one royal commentator.

"The princesses are most unfortunate affected parties, they've had to endure quietly and have been composed in their reserve," adds another royal author.

Final Impact

Ultimately, there appears to be minimal uncertainty that the person 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.

So to not have those, on a individual basis, will significantly count.

Nicole Morris
Nicole Morris

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about sharing insights on innovation and self-improvement.