Sarah Ferguson, a British author, television personality, and member of the British royal family, was formerly married to Prince Andrew, Duke of York, who is the younger brother of King Charles III. Born and raised in Dummer, Hampshire, she attended the Queen's Secretarial College before working in public relations firms and the publishing industry. Sarah's relationship with Prince Andrew began in 1985, leading to their marriage at Westminster Abbey on 23 July 1986. Together, they have two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. The media closely followed their marriage, separation in 1992, and divorce in 1996. Throughout her life, Sarah has been actively involved in various charities, serving as a patron and spokesperson. Her charitable efforts mainly focus on supporting cancer patients and children, including her roles as patron of Teenage Cancer Trust since 1990 and as the founder of Children in Crisis and Sarah's Trust. Despite facing scandals following her divorce, which strained her relationship with the royal family, Sarah has made appearances at numerous royal events in recent years. In addition to her philanthropic work, she has been actively involved in various television projects. She co-produced and presented the documentary "In Search of the Spirit" in 2000, hosted BBC Radio 2's afternoon show, and appeared in featurettes and voice acting roles. She also produced and appeared in several documentary films, including "The Duchess in Hull" and "Duchess and Daughters: Their Secret Mission." She played a producing role in the film "The Young Victoria" and took on the leading role in the mini-series "Finding Sarah." Sarah launched her YouTube series "Storytime with Fergie and Friends" and co-founded Vestapol Films. She recently launched a weekly podcast called "Tea Talks with the Duchess & Sarah." Sarah has made notable appearances on TV and radio, including "The Grand Knockout Tournament," "The Oprah Winfrey Show," and "Friends." She was also interviewed on "60 Minutes" in Australia. Furthermore, she has written books for both children and adults and has been involved in television and film production.
Sarah Ferguson is an author, television personality, and member of the British royal family. She was formerly married to Prince Andrew, Duke of York. She has been actively involved in charities, focusing on cancer patients and children. Despite facing scandals, Sarah has appeared at royal events and worked on various television projects. She has also written books, co-produced films, and recently launched a podcast.
Sarah Ferguson, born on October 15, 1959, in London, England, holds British nationality with a British-Irish ethnicity. Her full name is Sarah Margaret Ferguson. Falling under the zodiac sign of Libra and following the Christian faith, she is the daughter of her father, Major Ronald Ferguson and her mother, Susan Barrantes. Alongside her parents, Sarah had an older sister named Jane. Following her parents' divorce in 1974, her mother remarried polo player Héctor Barrantes and relocated to Trenque Lauquen in the Argentine pampas. Meanwhile, Sarah resided at Dummer Down Farm, a 480-acre property in Dummer, Hampshire, which had been her father's home since she was eight years old. Major Ferguson later married Susan Deptford in 1976 and had three more children: Andrew, Alice, and Elizabeth. Sarah has spoken about developing an eating disorder at the age of 12, turning to overeat for comfort as her parent's marriage began to deteriorate. Sarah Ferguson, known as "Fergie," has a family background of "country gentry with a bit of old money." She is descended from King Charles II of England through three of his illegitimate children. Her lineage includes aristocratic ancestors such as the 6th Duke of Buccleuch, the 8th Viscount Powerscourt, the 1st Duke of Abercorn, and the 4th Duke of Devonshire. She is distantly related to Prince Andrew, as they both share ancestry from the Duke of Devonshire and King James VI and I. Ferguson's educational journey began at Daneshill School in Stratfield Turgis, where she was described by the staff as a "courageous, bubbly, and outgoing little girl." Continuing her studies, she later attended Hurst Lodge School in Ascot. While not excelling academically, she displayed her talents in swimming and tennis. During her early years, Ferguson developed a passion for skiing and briefly worked as a chalet girl. Throughout her teenage years, she took on various jobs as a cleaner and waitress. Upon completing a course at Queen's Secretarial College at the age of eighteen, she embarked on a career at an art gallery. Subsequently, she gained experience in the field of public relations, working for two firms in London before joining a publishing company.
Throughout her career, Sarah has been involved in various television projects. In 2000, she co-produced and presented the documentary "In Search of the Spirit" for BBC television. She also had hosting roles, such as co-hosting BBC Radio 2's afternoon show with Steve Wright for three days in September 2003. Sarah's involvement extended to featurettes and voice acting, including hosting the production featurette "The Legacy of Pan" on Universal's DVD release of "Peter Pan" in May 2004, and lending her voice to the character of the Queen in Walt Disney Feature Animation's DVD "The Cat That Looked at a King." In 2008, she served as a special correspondent for NBC's Today, presenting segments for the series "From the Heart." Additionally, she produced and appeared in several documentary films, such as "The Duchess in Hull," "Duchess and Daughters: Their Secret Mission" in Romania and Turkey, and "The Duchess on the Estate" in Northern Moor, Manchester, which drew criticism for its portrayal of the area.
Ferguson played a producing role in the 2009 film "The Young Victoria," credited under her own name. The idea for the film, which focused on the early years of Queen Victoria, originated from Sarah herself. She had developed an interest in the Queen during her marriage to Prince Andrew and had written two books about her in collaboration with a historian. Sarah saw parallels between the Victoria-Albert relationship and her own marriage, as they both faced challenges and public scrutiny. In 2011, she took on the leading role in the mini-series "Finding Sarah" on the Oprah Winfrey Network, where she openly discussed her personal struggles and financial issues. In 2019, Sarah announced her plans to produce a TV documentary centered on Princess Louise of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg, Prince Albert's mother, focusing on her life and her separation from her husband, Ernest I, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
In April 2020, she introduced a captivating series called "Storytime with Fergie and Friends" on her YouTube channel. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Sarah and renowned authors like Nanette Newman and Imogen Edwards-Jones engaged in reading stories to children from their homes. The channel continued to captivate young viewers with 10 episodes of "Little Red News" based on characters from Ferguson's book series, "Little Red," from March to July 2021. In May 2022, Sarah co-founded Vestapol Films, an independent production house based in Paris, further expanding her creative endeavors. To add to her repertoire, in May 2023, Sarah launched a delightful weekly podcast called "Tea Talks with the Duchess & Sarah," alongside Sarah Thomson, which debuted in June 2023.
Sarah has made notable appearances on both TV and radio. In the United Kingdom, she participated in the controversial program "The Grand Knockout Tournament" in 1987, competing for charity alongside teams sponsored by other members of the royal family. She also appeared on "Parkinson" in 2003, "The Meredith Vieira Show" in 2015 to discuss her former husband's alleged sex scandal, and "This Morning" in 2019 to discuss "Natasha's Law." In the United States, Sarah was featured on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in 1996, 1999, and 2010, discussing various topics including the "cash for access" scandal. She made a cameo appearance in the finale of the sitcom "Friends" in 1998. In Australia, she was interviewed for an episode of "60 Minutes" in 2013 titled "Seeing Red."
As an author, Sarah Ferguson has authored a diverse range of books throughout her career. Her autobiographies and memoirs include "My Story" (1997) and "Finding Sarah: A Duchess's Journey to Find Herself" (2011). She also wrote a series of children's books and an accompanying animated television series called "Budgie the Little Helicopter" in 1989, including titles like "Budgie the Little Helicopter" and "Budgie at Bendick's Point." In the realm of historical literature, she penned works related to Queen Victoria such as "Victoria and Albert: A Family Life at Osborne House" (1991) and "Travels with Queen Victoria" (1993). Sarah also wrote books targeted at young girls, including "The Royal Switch" (1996) and "Bright Lights" (1997). Additionally, she collaborated with Weight Watchers on lifestyle books such as "Dieting with The Duchess" (1998) and "Reinventing Yourself with the Duchess of York" (2001), and contributed a foreword to "Weight Watchers Start Living, Start Losing: Inspirational Stories That Will Motivate You Now" (2009).
Ferguson has further authored several book series, including the "Little Red" series with titles like "Little Red" (2003), "Little Red's Christmas Story" (2004), and "Little Red's Autumn Adventure" (2009). She also created the "Helping Hands" series, which includes books such as "Charlie and the Bullies" (2007) and "Sophie Makes Friends" (2007). Another series she wrote is the "Genie Gems" series, comprising books like "Genie Gems: Mission to Devon" (2020) and "Genie Gems Meets Arthur Fantastic" (2020). In addition, she authored the "Puddle Boots" series, with books like "Puddle Boots" (2021) and "Puddle Boots Christmas" (2021).
Margaret and Mary Montagu Douglas Scott, characters from Sarah Ferguson's novels, have their story told in the book "Her Heart for a Compass" (2021) and continue their journey in "A Most Intriguing Lady" (2023). Additionally, Ferguson has written the "Southport" series, featuring titles like "Demon's Land" (2022) and "Field of Sky" (2022). Her other literary works include "A Guard Within" (1988), "Skiing from the Inside: The Self-help Guide to Mastering the Slopes" (1989), "What I Know Now: Simple Lessons Learned the Hard Way" (2003), "Moments" (2003), "Tea for Ruby" (2008), "Hartmoor" (2008), "Ballerina Rosie" (2012), "The Enchanted Oak Tree" (2020), and "A Gift of Kindness" (2020). She has also authored articles in publications such as the Evening Standard, Hello!, and The Telegraph, discussing topics ranging from children's charities to the impact of social media and climate change.
Academic honors
Other honours and awards
As of 2023, Sarah Ferguson, a renowned author, television personality, and member of the British royal family, has amassed a net worth of $1 million. Through her prolific career in the entertainment industry and book authorship, she earns a substantial annual income. With a diverse portfolio, she has been involved in various television and film projects, co-hosting on BBC Radio 2's Steve Wright, contributing as a correspondent on NBC's Today, and producing films like The Young Victoria and In Search of the Spirit. Sarah Ferguson's captivating presence has led her to appear as a guest on notable shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show and Late Night with Conan O'Brien. A prolific writer, she has authored numerous books, including Tea for Ruby and Heart for a Compass, and recently signed a book deal with Serendipity Press to pen an impressive 22 more books. Beyond her individual success, she previously shared finances with her ex-husband Prince Andrew, and following their 1996 divorce, she still received an annual sum of $19,800 from the royal family. Additionally, Queen Elizabeth contributed to her daughters' trust funds, highlighting Fergie's financial stability. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with Weight Watchers for over a decade and partnered with renowned brands like Avon and Wedgwood China. Ferguson faced a £4.2 million deficit in the mid-1990s, which she paid off through earnings from her career in the United States. She founded Hartmoor LLC in 2006 but faced financial challenges when the company collapsed in 2009, leaving her with a £630,000 debt. Sarah was involved in a financial dispute and considered declaring bankruptcy with debts totaling £5 million in 2010. Jeffrey Epstein assisted her by paying off some of her debts, though she later regretted accepting his help. In 2020, she and Prince Andrew were embroiled in a legal dispute over debt from their Swiss chalet purchase. They reached an agreement with the previous owner in 2021 and sold the house to repay their debt. Despite previous financial troubles, Sarah purchased a £5 million townhouse in 2022 and is pursuing new opportunities. In May 2010, she was caught on video offering access to Prince Andrew for £500,000. She was seen taking £40,000 in cash. Despite the incident, her book sales did not increase. In March 2022, she received £225,000 from Selman Turk and £25,000 was sent to her daughter Eugenie's account for a surprise party. She was owed £225,000 by Pegasus Group Holdings but received the full amount from Turk. Sarah Ferguson is leading a lavish lifestyle right now.
Sarah Ferguson is currently single, but she was previously married to Prince Andrew, Duke of York. Their engagement was announced on 19 March 1986, after reconnecting at Royal Ascot in 1985. Prince Andrew personally designed the engagement ring, featuring ten diamonds surrounding a Burmese ruby to complement Sarah's red hair. With the Queen's consent, they tied the knot on 23 July 1986 at Westminster Abbey. As the Duchess of York, Sarah accompanied her husband on royal engagements and official visits abroad. However, their marriage faced intense media scrutiny and criticism, with Sarah often ridiculed for her weight, earning nicknames like "Duchess of Pork" and "Fat Fergie." They became parents to two daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie. Sarah encountered health challenges during her pregnancy and faced further criticism for leaving her newborn daughter behind while on a tour with her husband in Australia. Despite her efforts to address weight issues, negative press attention took a toll on her self-esteem and worsened her eating disorder. The Duke and Duchess of York publicly announced their separation in March 1992, citing difficulties in their marriage. Sarah found life in the royal family increasingly challenging, and her close friendship with Steve Wyatt received significant media attention. In March 1993, the formal separation agreement was settled, and the couple announced their mutual decision to divorce in April 1996. They shared custody of their children, and Sarah claimed to have received a settlement of £15,000 per year. Over the years, Sarah Ferguson has been involved in multiple romantic relationships. These include partnerships with Kim Smith-Bingham from 1981 to 1983, Paddy McNally from 1983 to 1985, Steve Wyatt from 1990 to 1992, John Bryan from 1992 to 1995, and Thomas Muster from 1996 to 1998. The media extensively covered these relationships, especially her connection with John Bryan, which gained notoriety due to photographs capturing him sucking on her toes while she was sunbathing topless. Sarah is straight when it comes to her sexuality.
Sarah Ferguson is not only recognized for her public persona but also for her involvement in charitable endeavors. She has dedicated herself to philanthropy and established the Sarah Ferguson Foundation, which prioritizes education, health, and poverty-related issues. Her philanthropic contributions span numerous causes, with a particular emphasis on supporting children and families in need. Throughout the 1990s, she took on patron roles for various charities, including the Teenage Cancer Trust, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, and the Chemical Dependency Centre, actively participating in therapy sessions. In 1993, she founded Children in Crisis, an organization that focuses on granting access to education and aid for international programs. Sarah Ferguson has also been engaged with notable charities such as the American Cancer Society, Springboard for Children, and SOS Children's Villages-USA. In 2006, she established The Sarah Ferguson Foundation, based in Toronto, Canada, to support charities assisting underprivileged children and families. Additionally, she co-founded Key To Freedom in 2013, an initiative in India that empowers women in vulnerable situations through business opportunities, in collaboration with her former husband, the Duke of York, and their daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. Sarah Ferguson has been bestowed with several accolades for her philanthropic efforts, including serving as the official spokesperson for SOS Children's Villages-USA and acting as a global ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Charities. In 2014, she was appointed as an ambassador for the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London. Alongside her involvement in anti-poverty campaigns, such as Michael Bloomberg's initiative in New York, she remains committed to supporting education, health, and family support programs, with a focus on empowering women and children facing adversity. Sarah continues to raise awareness and funds for various causes, both within the United Kingdom and internationally.
Sarah Ferguson is widely admired for her beauty, characterized by her captivating smile and radiant complexion. She has an average body type. Standing at an average height of 5 ft 7½ in or 171.5 cm, she maintains a balanced physique with a weight of around 68 kg or 150 lbs. Despite being in her sixties, she leads a healthy lifestyle that keeps her active and exudes vibrancy. One of her notable features is her striking blue eyes, which perfectly complement her red-colored hair. Sarah's allure extends beyond her physical appearance, as her personality and charm have endeared her to the public. On June 2023, it was announced that Sarah had been diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer following a routine mammogram. However, it was revealed that she had received a diagnosis of breast cancer, leading her to undergo surgery. She successfully underwent a single mastectomy at King Edward VII's Hospital, and her doctors stated her prognosis as "good".
Sarah Margaret Ferguson, born into an aristocratic family with royal connections, had occasional interactions with Prince Andrew during her childhood. Their romantic relationship began in 1985 at the Royal Ascot, and they got engaged in early 1986 with a ruby ring. They married on October 15, 1986, becoming the Duke and Duchess of York. She has characterized her family as a blend of "country gentry with a touch of inherited wealth." She can trace her lineage back to King Charles II of England through three of his illegitimate offspring: Charles Lennox, 1st Duke of Richmond; James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth; and Anne Lennard, Countess of Sussex. With aristocratic roots, she is the great-great-granddaughter of the 6th Duke of Buccleuch, the great-granddaughter of the 8th Viscount Powerscourt, and a descendant of the 1st Duke of Abercorn and the 4th Duke of Devonshire. Notably, Ferguson shares distant familial ties with Prince Andrew, as they both descend from the Duke of Devonshire and King James VI and I.
In February 1987, Sarah accomplished a significant milestone by obtaining her private pilot's license. Lord Hanson generously gifted her a 40-hour training course, which she successfully completed. As a wedding present, Sarah was awarded her wings at RAF Benson in December of the same year. Notably, on December 14, 1987, she achieved yet another remarkable feat as the Duchess of York became the first member of the British royal family to acquire a private helicopter pilot's license, setting her apart from other royals who typically learned to fly helicopters through military service. During a ceremony at an air force base in Oxfordshire, just west of London, her husband proudly affixed the wings to her sweater, expressing his constant astonishment at her accomplishments. This achievement was a testament to Sarah's determination, as she had vowed to earn her wings prior to their wedding the year before.
Just a day after welcoming her third grandchild, Sarah Ferguson, affectionately known as Fergie, launched her podcast alongside entrepreneur Sarah Thomson. The podcast, titled Tea Talks With the Duchess & Sarah, premiered on May 31, 2023. In each episode, the two Sarahs engage in candid conversations, providing an inside look into the roller coaster of life and sharing their personal experiences. It offers a platform for open discussions and an opportunity to "spill the tea" on various topics.
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has openly acknowledged having regrets, just like anyone else. In a 2011 interview with People at amFAR's annual Cinema Against AIDS gala, she expressed her wishes to have done things differently. While she didn't delve into specifics, her statements resonated with those who have contemplated their own choices, emphasizing the impossibility of changing the past. Instead, Ferguson chooses to focus on moving forward and expressing gratitude for the things she has, particularly her daughters. Despite enduring public criticism and scrutiny throughout her life, she has found the strength to remain positive and embark on new ventures. The duchess's resilience serves as an inspiring example of overcoming adversity and looking toward the future. For her, embracing new opportunities and leaving behind the darkest days is key.
Sarah Ferguson, widely recognized as Fergie, has established herself as a celebrated author beyond her association with the royal family. Her writing career began with the release of "Budgie the Little Helicopter" in 1989, which soon became a popular animated TV series. Since then, she has authored numerous books, spanning diverse genres such as autobiography ("Finding Sarah") and children's literature (the "Little Red" series). In recent years, Ferguson's success as a writer has flourished even further. She secured an impressive 22-book deal with Serenity Press in May 2022, focusing on young adult fiction. Recognizing the significance of adolescence as a backdrop for compelling storytelling, Ferguson expressed her passion for addressing themes of grief, loss, and pain in her children's books, having written an impressive 48 titles. Moreover, her historical romance novel, "A Most Intriguing Lady," released in March 2023, showcased her versatility in captivating various audiences. With a substantial body of work and exciting future prospects, Ferguson's talent as an author stands firmly established.