As Prince Andrew relinquishes his royal titles and honors, his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, will also stop using her Duchess of York title—marking a significant shift in their public roles.

The End of a Royal Title

Prince Andrew made a major announcement on Oct. 17, confirming he would no longer use his royal titles. This statement directly impacts Sarah Ferguson, who has held the Duchess of York title since their marriage in 1986. Queen Elizabeth had granted Andrew the Duke of York title upon his marriage, a traditional title reserved for the monarch’s second son, which automatically made Ferguson the Duchess of York.

Although Ferguson continued to hold the title even after their divorce in 1996, sources now confirm she will exclusively go by Sarah Ferguson in all areas of life, a name she has already been using professionally for years.

A Close Relationship Despite Divorce

Despite their divorce nearly three decades ago, Ferguson, 66, and Prince Andrew have remained close. Known affectionately as “Fergie,” she and Andrew still live together at Royal Lodge located on the Windsor Castle estate. The residence will continue to be their home, as Andrew has a private tenancy agreement with The Crown Estate, which is not affected by the decision to relinquish his titles.

The pair also continue to appear together at royal events, most recently attending the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent in September.

Sarah Ferguson Reflects on Her Identity

In a previous interview with PEOPLE in 2021, while promoting her debut novel Her Heart for a Compass, Ferguson opened up about embracing her authentic self.

“It’s like I’ve gotten out of my own way,” she said. “I’ve really become Sarah. The Duchess is there. Good old Fergie’s there too. But Sarah is authentically present.”

Prince Andrew’s Statement

On Oct. 17, Prince Andrew said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace, “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. I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.”

He added, “With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”

Although he will no longer use his titles, Andrew will remain a prince by birth, as a son of Queen Elizabeth, under the Letters Patent established by King George V in 1917 and updated in 2012.

Context Behind the Decision

The announcement comes amid renewed scrutiny over Prince Andrew’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in custody in 2019. Andrew stepped back from royal duties in 2019 following a widely discussed BBC interview addressing his association with Epstein.

While the decision marks a major change for both Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, it will not impact their daughters. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will retain their royal titles and positions in the line of succession.