How Prince Andrew's Removal of Titles Signifies for Fergie, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

Royal Family Members

Prince Andrew's removal from the final remnants of monarchical duties has not only altered his path - it's sending ripples through his family too.

Fergie's New Status

His ex-wife has now lost her duchess title 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 birth name of Ferguson.

"She has lost a certain prestige over this," noted one royal commentator. "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 the convicted financier.

Recently, several charities dropped her as ambassador after correspondence from 2011 showed that she referred to Epstein her "supreme friend" and appeared to express regret for her public criticism of him.

Business Ventures and Philanthropy

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

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

But Ferguson has been a great survivor in monarchical networks. She's kept bouncing back.

"She's the ultimate survivor and master of reinvention," commented one royal author.

The Princesses

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

For Andrew and Sarah's two daughters, Beatrice, thirty-seven, and Eugenie, thirty-five, 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.

The prince stays eighth position to the crown, followed by his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, in ninth and twelfth position in that order.

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

Coming Opportunities

The princesses are also currently non-official royals, and while they occasionally take on roles – Princess Eugenie was recently announced as a advisor for the monarch's charity network – experts also suggest they "can't see a world" in which they would step up into royal duties.

"Regarding Beatrice and Eugenie are concerned, I think there's an understanding of the reality that this controversy isn't about them, and it's not fair for it to impact them directly in the independent lives they are carving out for themselves," says one royal commentator.

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

Ultimate Consequences

In the end, there seems to be little doubt that the person who will be most affected by all of this will be Prince Andrew himself.

For a man who always liked the trappings of royalty, the pomp and the ceremony, the relinquishment of his honors is deeply humiliating.

So to not have these, on a personal level, will really matter.

Kimberly Boyd
Kimberly Boyd

A passionate writer and explorer, Evelyn shares her experiences and tips for embracing new perspectives and adventures in everyday life.