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

Royal Family Figures

The Duke's removal from the final remnants of royal life has not only reshaped his future - it's creating waves through his family too.

Sarah Ferguson's New Status

His ex-wife has now surrendered her ducal status and will simply be known as Sarah Ferguson.

For Ferguson, 66, the transition will be the most apparent.

Throughout this period, she has kept the courtesy royal divorcee title Sarah, Duchess of York. Currently, she reverts to her birth name of Ferguson.

"She has lost a bit of cachet over this," said one royal commentator. "She certainly 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 facing separately about her own connections to Jeffrey Epstein.

Last month, several charities removed her as ambassador after an email from over a decade ago revealed that she referred to Epstein her "greatest ally" and appeared to express regret for her public criticism of him.

Professional Endeavors and Charity Work

Separate from her philanthropy, Ferguson also has multiple commercial enterprises.

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

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

"She's the supreme perseverer and expert at transforming," said one monarchy writer.

The Princesses

Princess Eugenie at event
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice seen at a royal celebration in 2023

For the couple's offspring, Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, thirty-five, there's no official alteration.

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

There is also no change to the line of succession.

Andrew remains eighth in line to the crown, followed by his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, in ninth and twelfth position in that order.

But in practice their standing are "distant" and will probably become even more remote as time goes on.

Future Prospects

Beatrice and Eugenie are also currently non-official royals, and while they do sometimes take on roles – Princess Eugenie was recently named as a advisor for the King's Foundation network – commentators also suggest they "don't envision a world" in which they would step up into official responsibilities.

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

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

Ultimate Consequences

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 trappings of royalty, the pomp and the ceremony, the relinquishment of his honors is deeply humiliating.

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

Marie Gonzalez
Marie Gonzalez

A seasoned financial analyst with over a decade of experience in market trends and trading strategies.