Sarah Ferguson Removes Duchess of York Title After Prince Andrew’s Royal Exit

Prince Andrew has officially given up his royal titles. The Duke of York made the announcement on October 17. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, has now followed his lead.

She removed the “Duchess of York” title from her social media profiles. This action solidifies their formal departure from royal life. The decision comes amid renewed controversy over Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein.

Buckingham Palace Confirms Title Relinquishment

According to a statement from Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew will no longer use his Duke of York title. The decision was made with King Charles III’s agreement. Andrew stated he wants to stop distracting from the monarch’s work.

He also reiterated his denial of all accusations against him. The BBC reported this ends his formal public role. His military titles and patronages were returned to the late Queen in 2022.

This move protects the monarchy from further scandal. It allows King Charles to focus on his reign without constant questions about his brother. The royal family has faced significant pressure regarding Andrew’s ties to Epstein.

Sarah Ferguson’s Loyalty and Lasting Bond

Sarah Ferguson has consistently supported her former husband. She called Andrew a “principled man” in a recent Instagram post. The couple have lived together at Royal Lodge for over fifteen years.

They share a unique co-parenting relationship for their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. A spokesperson for Sarah once told Vanity Fair they are “the happiest divorced couple in the world.” Their bond has remained strong since their 1986 wedding.

Sarah faced her own repercussions from the Epstein scandal. She was dropped by several charities in September after a 2011 email to Epstein resurfaced. Her spokesperson told NBC News the message was sent under threat of legal action.

The removal of the Duchess of York title marks the end of an era for the couple, cementing Prince Andrew’s exit from public life and closing a tumultuous chapter for the monarchy.

Info at your fingertips

Why did Prince Andrew give up his title?

He relinquished the Duke of York title to avoid distracting from King Charles’s work. The decision followed renewed attention on his association with Jeffrey Epstein. He continues to deny all allegations against him.

Are Andrew and Sarah Ferguson still married?

They finalized their divorce in 1996. Despite this, they have lived together at Royal Lodge for many years. They describe themselves as a very close, divorced couple.

What titles did Prince Andrew lose?

He will no longer use the Duke of York title. He previously returned his military titles and royal patronages. He also stopped using his HRH style in 2022.

How has the Epstein case affected Sarah Ferguson?

She was dropped as a patron by several charities in 2025. This followed the publication of a 2011 email she sent to Jeffrey Epstein. She has long expressed regret over her association with him.

Can Sarah Ferguson be stripped of her title?

It would require an act of parliament to formally remove the title. Her recent action to remove it from social media is a voluntary step. It aligns with Andrew’s own decision to step back.