Prince Andrew drops his title - what it means for Fergie, Beatrice and Eugenie
Saturday, 18 October 2025
Prince Andrew will no longer use his title as the Duke of York due to his controversial relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. But what does this mean for his wife Sarah Ferguson (the Duchess of York) and their daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie?
In a statement, Prince Andrew said he “will no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me'.
“In discussion with the King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family.”
The disgraced royal retreated from public life after a disastrous Newsnight interview in 2019, removing his patronages and suspending his public duties.
He faced further pressure this week following a Mail on Sunday report, which revealed he had continued a relationship with Epstein beyond December 2010, when he earlier claimed was their final meeting. Andrew as “vigorously” denied the allegations.
What has he lost?
As the son of a previous monarch (Queen Elizabeth II), Prince Andrew remains a prince but will no longer call himself the Duke of York, a title traditionally given to the monarch’s second son.
The 65-year-old was given the title in 1986, when he married Sarah ‘Fergie’ Ferguson. The pair divorced in 1996, but remain good friends and live together at the 30-bedroom Royal Lodge at Windsor.
Prince Andrew is also giving up the titles of Earl of Inverness and Baron of Killyleagh and is no longer a member of the Order of the Garter, an exclusive club limited to the sovereign, Prince of Wales and no more than 24 living invitees.
Additionally, he is no longer a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victoria Order, established in 1896 by Queen Victoria to recognise distinguished personal service the royal family.
What happens to his titles?
It’s important to note that although Andrew will no longed call himself the Duke of York, the title has not been formally removed, which can only be done through an Act of Parliament.
But his relinquishing means ex-wife Ferguson can no longer call herself the Duchess of York.
As the Duke of York title is reserved only for the second son of a monarch, it has only been used eight times since it was first granted in the 14th century.
A Duke of York can pass the title to his son, but only his son - the title cannot be given to a female heir.
So while his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie - who are reportedly held in high regard by King Charles - will retain their Princess titles, they will never inherit Andrew’s former title.
Only when he dies could it be used for a ninth time.
As the second son of King Charles, the title could go to Prince Harry, though this is unlikely due to the pair’s strained relationship and Harry’s step back from royal life.
The Duke of York title is more more likely to go to Prince Louis when his father, William the Prince of Wales, becomes king.