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

Royal Family Members

The Duke's exit from the last vestiges of monarchical duties has not only altered his path - it's creating waves through his family too.

Fergie'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.

For all these years, she has maintained the honorary 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," said one monarchy expert. "She definitely utilizes the title – including her social media profile is @TheDuchessSarah."

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

Recently, several charities removed her as ambassador after correspondence from over a decade ago revealed that she referred to Epstein her "supreme friend" and seemed to apologise for her negative comments of him.

Professional Endeavors and Charity Work

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

And these ventures, are more probable to be impacted by the Epstein controversy than any alteration in status, says one royal commentator.

But Ferguson has been a great survivor in monarchical networks. She has continued recovering strongly.

"She's the ultimate survivor and master of reinvention," commented one monarchy writer.

The Daughters

Princess Eugenie during occasion
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie pictured at a royal celebration in last year

For Andrew and Sarah's offspring, Beatrice, thirty-seven, 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.

There is also no modification to the line of succession.

Andrew remains eighth in line to the crown, succeeded by his children Beatrice and Eugenie, in ninth and twelfth place in that order.

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

Future Prospects

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

"Regarding Beatrice and Eugenie go, I think there's an appreciation of the reality that this controversy isn't about them, and it's not fair for it to affect them directly in the separate paths they are building for themselves," explains one royal commentator.

"The princesses are particularly unlucky victims, they've had to endure quietly and have been dignified in their silence," adds another royal author.

Ultimate Consequences

Ultimately, there seems to be little doubt 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 pomp and the ceremony, the relinquishment of his honors is deeply humiliating.

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

Mark Lee
Mark Lee

A passionate wellness coach and herbalist dedicated to sharing natural health insights.