What the Duke's Titles Loss Signifies for Sarah Ferguson, Princess Beatrice and Eugenie

Royal Family Members

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

Fergie's New Status

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

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

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

"She will have lost a bit of cachet over this," noted one royal commentator. "She certainly utilizes the title – including her Twitter bio is @SarahTheDuchess."

But the loss of her title may impact her much less than the controversy she's facing separately about her own links with the convicted financier.

Recently, multiple organizations removed her as patron after an email from over a decade ago revealed that she referred to Epstein her "greatest ally" and seemed to apologise for her negative comments of him.

Professional Endeavors and Philanthropy

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

And these, too, are more likely to be affected by the Epstein controversy than any alteration in status, notes one monarchy analyst.

But Ferguson has been a remarkable endure in royal circles. She has continued recovering strongly.

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

The Princesses

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

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

They will still be known as royal princesses, which they have been granted since birth.

Additionally there is no modification to the royal succession order.

Andrew remains eighth position to the crown, succeeded by his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, in ninth and twelfth place respectively.

But in reality their positions are "low down" and will probably become much further down as time goes on.

Coming Opportunities

Beatrice and Eugenie are also currently non-official royals, and while they do sometimes accept positions – Princess Eugenie was recently announced as a mentor for the monarch's charity network – commentators also suggest they "can't see a scenario" in which they would advance 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 separate paths they are building for themselves," explains one royal commentator.

"The princesses are most unfortunate affected parties, they've had to suffer in silence and have been composed in their silence," states another monarchy writer.

Final Impact

In the end, there seems to be minimal uncertainty that the individual who will be most affected by these developments will be the Duke himself.

For someone who always liked the royal privileges, the pomp and the ceremony, the relinquishment of his honors is profoundly embarrassing.

So to not have these, on a personal level, will significantly count.

Jonathan Miles
Jonathan Miles

A seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories at the intersection of technology and society.