What you need to know
Prince Andrew’s decision to renounce the use of his royal title has raised questions about the status of his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and their two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
People understand that Beatrice and Eugenie’s position in the royal family will not be affected by this change. Meanwhile, his ex-wife will continue to use the name Sarah Ferguson professionally, as she has done for many years, and will no longer use the title Duchess of York in any capacity.
Prince Andrew and she, known as Fergie, married in 1986 and received the titles Duke and Duchess of York from Queen Elizabeth II on their wedding day. Duke of York is the traditional title given to the second son of a monarch.
After welcoming their daughters, the two separated in 1992 and divorced in 1996. However, the couple remained close and continued to live together at the Royal Lodge mansion near Windsor Castle.
British Press/Getty
Sarah retained the title Duchess of York after her divorce. Royal style dictates that ex-wives of noblemen can keep their titles by placing their names in front of them.
When Sarah and Prince Andrew divorced, she became Sarah, Duchess of York. Just as Princess Diana divorced from then-Prince Charles in 1996 and became Princess Diana.
In August 1996, Queen Elizabeth issued a new patent to address the HRH styling issues associated with divorce within the royal family.
The statement read: “The Queen is pleased to declare that, by virtue of Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Kingdom, dated 21 August 1996, the sons of the Sovereigns of these Kingdoms, the sons of the Sovereign’s sons, and the ex-wives (other than widows until they remarry) of the eldest surviving son of the Prince of Wales are not entitled to hold and enjoy royal forms, titles or attributes.” Your Highness. ”
Following this, Diana and Fergie both lost their royal titles, but their children retained their titles. (However, Prince Harry renounced the use of his HRH title when he left the royal family in 2020.)
Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images
Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to stay up to date on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and more!
Unlike their cousin Prince William, Princess Beatrice, 37, and Princess Eugenie, 35, are not full-time working royals, but they both retain the title “Princess” and their place in the line of succession to the throne.
Both princesses have private careers, attending major royal events and traditional gatherings such as Christmas. Beatrice is also King Charles’ advisor of state, an exclusive position that allows members of the royal family to conduct business on the king’s behalf.
Prince Andrew’s announcement comes amid renewed attention over his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
King Andrew and Queen Sarah are also reportedly banned from attending traditional Christmas events, with The Sunday Times recently reporting that the king wants to keep them as “invisible” as possible.
A source close to King Charles told the magazine: “You can’t dismiss someone because they’re your brothers. But it would be very best for the Duke and Duchess to be in the honorable position this year (Christmas), as they were last year, and the family will not be disappointed, especially to avoid the King having to make any more difficult decisions.”
