How the Duke's Removal of Titles Means for Sarah Ferguson, Beatrice and Eugenie

York Family Members

Prince Andrew's exit from the final remnants of monarchical duties has not only reshaped his future - it's sending ripples through his family too.

Fergie's Title Change

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

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

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

"She has lost a bit of cachet over this," noted one monarchy expert. "She certainly does use the title – even her Twitter bio is @SarahTheDuchess."

But the loss of her title may impact her much less than the scandal she's facing separately about her own connections to Jeffrey Epstein.

Last month, several charities dropped her as patron after correspondence from over a decade ago showed that she called Epstein her "supreme friend" and seemed to apologise for her negative comments of him.

Business Ventures and Charity Work

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

And these ventures, are more probable to be impacted by the Epstein scandal than any change in title, notes one monarchy analyst.

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

"She's the ultimate survivor and expert at transforming," commented one royal author.

The Daughters

Princess Eugenie at event
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice seen at a Coronation Big Lunch in last year

For Andrew and Sarah's two daughters, Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, thirty-five, there's no formal change.

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

Additionally there is no change to the line of succession.

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

But in reality their positions are "low down" and will likely become even more remote as time goes on.

Future Prospects

The princesses are also currently non-working royals, and while they occasionally take on roles – The younger princess was recently announced as a advisor for the monarch's charity program – experts also suggest they "can't see a world" in which they would advance into official responsibilities.

"Regarding Beatrice and Eugenie go, I think there's an appreciation of the fact that this scandal doesn't involve them, and it's unjust for it to affect them personally in the independent lives they are carving out for themselves," explains one monarchy analyst.

"Their daughters 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 minimal uncertainty that the individual who will be most affected by these developments will be the Duke himself.

For a man who consistently enjoyed the trappings of royalty, the ceremony and the pageantry, the relinquishment of his honors is profoundly embarrassing.

Therefore lacking these, on a personal level, will significantly count.

James Beck
James Beck

Certified fitness coach and nutritionist passionate about helping others lead healthier lives through sustainable practices.