How Prince Andrew's Removal of Titles Signifies for Sarah Ferguson, 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 sending ripples through his family too.

Sarah Ferguson's Title Change

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

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

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 will have lost a bit of cachet over this," said one monarchy expert. "She definitely utilizes the title – including her Twitter bio is @TheDuchessSarah."

But the relinquishment of her status may affect her much less than the scandal she's dealing with independently about her own connections to the convicted financier.

Last month, multiple organizations dropped her as ambassador after an email from over a decade ago revealed that she called Epstein her "greatest ally" and appeared to express regret for her public criticism 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 scandal than any change in title, says one royal commentator.

But Ferguson has been a remarkable endure in royal circles. She's kept recovering strongly.

"She is the ultimate survivor and expert at transforming," commented one monarchy writer.

The Daughters

Princess Beatrice at event
Princess Beatrice and Princess Beatrice pictured at a royal celebration 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 their birth.

Additionally there is no change to the royal succession order.

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

But in reality their standing are "low down" and will likely become much further down as years pass.

Future Prospects

The princesses are also currently non-working royals, and while they do sometimes take on roles – The younger princess was recently announced as a advisor for the monarch's charity network – commentators also suggest they "don't envision a scenario" in which they would advance into official responsibilities.

"Regarding Beatrice and Eugenie go, I think there's an appreciation of the fact that this controversy doesn't involve them, and it's not fair for it to impact them directly in the independent lives they are building for themselves," explains one royal commentator.

"The princesses are particularly unlucky affected parties, they've had to endure quietly and have been dignified in their reserve," states another royal author.

Final Impact

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

For someone who always liked the royal privileges, the pomp and the pageantry, the relinquishment of his honors is deeply humiliating.

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

Kelsey Short
Kelsey Short

Cybersecurity expert with over a decade of experience in digital identity and password management, dedicated to helping users stay safe online.