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

Royal Family Members

The Duke's exit from the final remnants of monarchical duties has not only altered his path - it's sending ripples through his family too.

Fergie's Title Change

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

For Sarah, 66, the transition will be the most apparent.

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

"She has lost a certain prestige over this," noted one royal commentator. "She definitely utilizes the title – even her Twitter bio is @TheDuchessSarah."

But the relinquishment of her status may affect her much less than the scandal she's facing separately about her own links with Jeffrey Epstein.

Recently, several charities dropped her as ambassador after correspondence from over a decade ago revealed that she called Epstein her "supreme friend" and appeared to express regret 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 likely to be impacted by the Epstein controversy than any alteration in status, notes one royal commentator.

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

"She is the supreme perseverer and expert at transforming," said one royal author.

The Princesses

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

For the couple's two daughters, 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.

There is also no change to the royal succession order.

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

But in practice their standing are "distant" and will likely become even more remote as time goes on.

Coming Opportunities

The princesses are also presently non-official royals, and while they occasionally accept positions – The younger princess was recently announced as a mentor 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 appreciation of the fact that this scandal isn't about them, and it's unjust for it to affect them directly in the independent lives they are carving out for themselves," explains one monarchy analyst.

"The princesses are most unfortunate victims, they've had to suffer in silence and have been composed in their reserve," adds another royal author.

Ultimate Consequences

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

For someone who consistently enjoyed the royal privileges, the ceremony and the ceremony, the loss of his titles is deeply humiliating.

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

Bianca Santos
Bianca Santos

Award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK politics and social issues, known for insightful reporting.