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

Royal Family Members

The Duke's exit from the last vestiges of royal life has not only reshaped his future - it's sending ripples through his immediate relatives too.

Sarah Ferguson's New Status

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

For Ferguson, sixty-six, the transition will be the most apparent.

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

"She has lost a certain prestige over this," noted one monarchy expert. "She definitely utilizes the title – including her social media profile is @SarahTheDuchess."

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

Recently, several charities removed her as ambassador after an email from over a decade ago revealed that she called Epstein her "greatest ally" and seemed to apologise for her negative comments of him.

Professional Endeavors and Philanthropy

Away from her charitable activities, Ferguson also has various business ventures.

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

But Ferguson has been a remarkable endure in monarchical networks. She has continued bouncing back.

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

The Princesses

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

For the couple's two daughters, Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, there's no formal change.

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

There is also no change to the line of succession.

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

But in practice their positions are "low down" and will likely become even more remote as years pass.

Future Prospects

The princesses are also presently non-official royals, and while they do sometimes accept positions – The younger princess was recently named as a advisor for the monarch's charity network – experts also say they "don't envision a world" in which they would step up into royal duties.

"As far as Beatrice and Eugenie are concerned, I think there's an understanding of the fact that this controversy doesn't involve them, and it's not fair for it to affect them personally in the independent lives they are building for themselves," says one monarchy analyst.

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

Ultimate Consequences

Ultimately, there seems to be minimal uncertainty that the person who will be most impacted by these developments will be the Duke himself.

For a man who consistently enjoyed the trappings of royalty, the ceremony and the pageantry, the loss of his titles is deeply humiliating.

Therefore lacking these, on a personal level, will really matter.

Tamara Miller
Tamara Miller

A productivity enthusiast and writer passionate about sharing innovative tips for better living.