Nearly two weeks have passed since Andrew, no longer referred to as Prince, announced his decision to relinquish the use of his titles and honors, including the Duchy of York. Now, King Charles has taken a historic and irreversible step.
Through an official statement from Buckingham Palace, the monarch confirmed the formal withdrawal of his brother’s royal titles, as well as the cancellation of the agreement permitting him to remain at Royal Lodge. With this development, attention has inevitably turned to Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of York, and what this means for their futures.
It was on October 17 that Andrew announced his intention to give up his title. The decision comes ahead of the forthcoming publication of 'Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice' by Virginia Giuffre, which includes excerpts referring to him, and following leaked emails revealing the close connection that both Andrew and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, maintained with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Once celebrated as a charismatic war hero and a dedicated trade ambassador, Andrew’s reputation began to crumble six years ago. His association with Epstein proved to be the final blow. Now, King Charles III has acted decisively, a move many see as essential to preserving the dignity and future of the monarchy.
According to the Palace’s official statement, the former Duke of York will be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. While a formal legal process remains for the final removal of titles, the Palace has confirmed that he will no longer be referred to as a prince in any official capacity.
What does this mean for Beatrice and Eugenie?
Despite the sweeping nature of this royal decision, Princess Beatrice (37) and Princess Eugenie (35) will not be affected. As princesses by birth and granddaughters of the late Queen Elizabeth II, they retain their royal titles and styles of Her Royal Highness.
According to HELLO!, this outcome was agreed upon by both Andrew himself and King Charles, who believe that the princesses should not be penalized for circumstances beyond their control.
Since their marriages, both sisters have retained their titles in a modern and balanced way. Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie, Mrs. Jack Brooksbank, and Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice, Mrs. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Neither of their husbands received titles upon marriage, a reflection of the monarchy’s contemporary approach to royal unions.
A family divided for the holidays:
While Andrew and Sarah Ferguson are not expected to join the Royal Family for Christmas at Sandringham, it is understood that Beatrice and Eugenie will attend the festive gatherings with their children and spouses.
Sarah Ferguson, who had continued to use the style of Duchess of York as a courtesy extended by the late Queen Elizabeth, will also relinquish the title. Since her own correspondence with Epstein came to light, King Charles has distanced the family from the former couple.
As for Andrew’s future residence, the Palace has not specified his next home. However, British media reports suggest he may relocate to a smaller property within the Sandringham estate, while the Duchess is expected to seek an independent residence.
The future of the Princesses:
Through the turbulence of recent years, Beatrice and Eugenie have managed to remain untouched by scandal, focusing instead on their young families and charitable work. Though their father’s fall from grace has cast a long shadow, the York sisters’ quiet dignity and steadfast discretion have earned them public sympathy, and perhaps, a renewed place within the evolving landscape of the modern British monarchy.