The shift in Prince Andrew’s royal standing carries distinct implications for the women of the York family. For Sarah Ferguson, his former wife, the situation largely maintains the status quo established since their divorce. She continues to be styled as Sarah, Duchess of York, a title she retains unless she remarries. Her financial independence and public profile are primarily driven by her own projects, charitable endeavors, and media appearances, rather than by her ex-husband’s official royal duties or patronages, which he no longer holds. Her relationship with the wider Royal Family and her inclusion in significant events are more a reflection of her personal ties and the King’s discretion than of Andrew’s now diminished formal role.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, as grandchildren of the reigning monarch, retain their HRH style and Princess titles. These distinctions are inherited through their birthright and are not dependent on their father’s specific titles or patronages. Both princesses operate as non-working royals, meaning they pursue their own careers and do not receive public funds for official duties. Beatrice works in business, and Eugenie in art, each with their own professional paths. They also maintain their own charitable patronages, which are separate from any previously held by their father.
While Prince Andrew’s controversies inevitably cast a shadow, his daughters have increasingly carved out independent public identities. His loss of titles reinforces the broader trend of a “slimmed-down monarchy,” with Beatrice and Eugenie firmly positioned as individuals who contribute to society through their private endeavors and select charitable affiliations. Their security arrangements, while subject to periodic review, are based on their status as princesses and assessed risks, rather than being directly tied to their father’s now withdrawn military affiliations or royal patronages. In essence, the women of the York family largely continue on paths already established, albeit within a family unit that has seen its public perception shaped by recent events.
