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

York Family Figures

The Duke's exit from the last vestiges of monarchical duties has not only reshaped his future - it's creating waves through his immediate relatives too.

Fergie's New Status

His ex-wife has now lost her duchess title and will simply be known as Sarah Ferguson.

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

Throughout this period, she has maintained the honorary royal divorcee title Sarah, York Duchess. Now, she returns to her birth name of Ferguson.

"She will have lost a certain prestige over this," said one royal commentator. "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 links with the convicted financier.

Recently, several charities dropped her as ambassador after correspondence from over a decade ago revealed that she called Epstein her "greatest ally" and appeared to express regret for her public criticism of him.

Business Ventures and Philanthropy

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

And these, too, are more probable to be affected by the Epstein scandal than any alteration in status, notes one royal commentator.

But Ferguson has been a great survivor in royal circles. She's kept bouncing back.

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

The Princesses

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

For Andrew and Sarah's two daughters, Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, there's no official alteration.

They continue to be known as royal princesses, which they have been entitled to since their birth.

There is also no modification to the royal succession order.

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

But in reality their positions are "distant" and will likely become even more remote as years pass.

Future Prospects

Beatrice and Eugenie are also currently non-working royals, and while they occasionally take on roles – The younger princess was recently named as a mentor for the monarch's charity program – commentators also suggest they "don't envision a scenario" in which they would advance into official responsibilities.

"As far as Beatrice and Eugenie go, I think there's an understanding of the reality that this controversy doesn't involve them, and it's unjust for it to impact them personally in the independent lives they are carving out for themselves," says one monarchy analyst.

"The princesses are most unfortunate affected parties, they've had to endure quietly and have been dignified in their reserve," states another monarchy writer.

Final Impact

Ultimately, there seems to be little doubt that the person who will be most affected by all of this will be the Duke himself.

For someone who consistently enjoyed the royal privileges, the pomp and the ceremony, the loss of his titles is profoundly embarrassing.

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

Victoria Brooks
Victoria Brooks

A passionate traveler and writer sharing UK explorations and practical advice for memorable journeys.