Prince Andrew's recent removal from the last vestiges of royal life marks a significant turning point not only for him but also for his family. The implications of this royal shake-up extend beyond Andrew himself, profoundly affecting his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, and their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. With the loss of Andrew's Duke of York title, the York family is navigating a new landscape filled with challenges and controversies.
At 66, Sarah Ferguson is experiencing the most visible change following Andrew's title loss. For years, she was known as Sarah, Duchess of York, a title that provided her with a certain level of prestige. Now, she reverts to her maiden name, Ferguson, which royal commentator Richard Palmer notes will undoubtedly impact her public persona. "She will have lost a bit of cachet over this," he stated.
Despite this change, the real challenge for Ferguson stems from her own controversies, particularly her past connections with Jeffrey Epstein. An email from 2011, in which she referred to Epstein as her "supreme friend," has led to her losing several charity patronages. Royal commentator Victoria Murphy emphasizes that this scandal is likely to have a more substantial effect on Ferguson than the loss of her title.
Apart from her philanthropic work, Ferguson has been involved in various business ventures. Murphy suggests that these may also be impacted by the ongoing scrutiny of her relationship with Epstein, rather than solely her title change. Yet, despite the challenges she faces, Ferguson has proven to be a resilient figure within royal circles. "She's the ultimate survivor and master of reinvention," says royal author Katie Nicholls. Even after separating from Prince Andrew over three decades ago, she has maintained a close relationship with him and continues to reside at his Windsor estate.
Ferguson's ability to bounce back was evident during the Christmas before last, when she made a rare appearance at a royal gathering in Sandringham. Despite not being working royals, both she and Andrew attended, signaling her ongoing connection to the royal family. Nicholls believes that Ferguson has weathered worse storms and won't be significantly affected by the title loss, given her long history of resilience.
For their daughters, Princess Beatrice (37) and Princess Eugenie (35), no formal changes have occurred. They retain their titles as princesses, a status they have held since birth. Their positions in the line of succession remain unchanged, with Andrew still eighth in line, followed by Beatrice and Eugenie in ninth and twelfth place, respectively. However, Murphy points out that their positions are relatively low and will likely diminish over time.
Both Beatrice and Eugenie are currently non-working royals. Although they occasionally take on roles—such as Eugenie's recent appointment as a mentor for the King's Foundation's 35 under 35 network—Murphy believes that they are unlikely to assume more prominent royal duties in the future. "I don't think that was ever really on the cards," she explains.
The ongoing scandal surrounding their father undoubtedly casts a shadow over Beatrice and Eugenie. Despite this, they remain beloved nieces of King Charles III. Palmer notes that while Andrew's titles may be gone, it is possible that his daughters will still attend family events, including Christmas gatherings. "There's an appreciation that this scandal doesn't involve them," Murphy adds. "It’s not fair for it to impact them directly in the independent lives they are carving out for themselves."
Royal expert Nicholls highlights the emotional toll this scandal has taken on the sisters, stating, "They've had to suffer in silence and have been dignified in their silence." Nevertheless, both daughters appear largely untarnished by their father's controversies and are likely to continue participating in royal family events.
Ultimately, the most significant impact of this royal shake-up will be felt by Prince Andrew himself. Having always relished the trappings of royalty, the loss of his titles is undoubtedly a profound humiliation. For Andrew, the absence of these titles represents a personal loss that will resonate deeply within him.
