Written by Selina
Modified & Updated: 31 Jan 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Sarah Ferguson, popularly known as Fergie, is a figure who has been in the public eye for decades. From her marriage to Prince Andrew to her various philanthropic endeavors, she has led a life full of intrigue and interest. Here are 13 fascinating facts about Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.
Early Life and Ancestry
Sarah Margaret Ferguson was born on October 15, 1959, in London. She is the second daughter of Major Ronald Ferguson and Susan Barrantes. Interestingly, Sarah has a royal lineage as she is a descendant of King Charles II of England via three of his illegitimate children: Charles Lennox, 1st Duke of Richmond; James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth; and Anne Lennard, Countess of Sussex.
Marriage to Prince Andrew
Sarah Ferguson married Prince Andrew, Duke of York, on July 23, 1986, at Westminster Abbey. They have two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Their marriage, separation in 1992, and divorce in 1996 attracted much media coverage.
Nickname
Sarah is also known by the nickname Fergie, a moniker that has stuck with her throughout her life.
Career
Sarah is a British author, television personality, and member of the British royal family. She has written several books for children and adults and has worked on TV and in film production.
Charity Work
Sarah has been involved with several charities as a patron and spokesperson. Her charity work primarily revolves around helping cancer patients and children. She has been the patron of Teenage Cancer Trust since 1990 and founded Children in Crisis and Sarah’s Trust.
Scandals
In the years after her divorce, Sarah was the subject of scandals that affected her relationship with the royal family, but she has appeared in various royal events in recent years.
Financial Struggles
Sarah has faced financial struggles over the years. In the mid-1990s, she reportedly had a £4.2 million deficit in her bank account, which she paid off by going on a four-year earning spree in the United States.
Cash for Access Scandal
In May 2010, Sarah was filmed by the News of the World offering access to Prince Andrew for £500,000. This incident increased her public profile and notoriety.
Health
In June 2023, it was announced that Sarah had been diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer following a routine mammogram, for which she successfully underwent a single mastectomy at King Edward VII’s Hospital.
Relationship with the Royal Family
Despite her divorce and the scandals, Sarah has maintained a relationship with the royal family. She has attended some functions with her daughters and has been listed as a member of the royal family by the Lord Chamberlain’s Office.
Residency
Sarah has lived in various places over the years. After her divorce, she shared the family’s home, Sunninghill Park in Berkshire, with Prince Andrew until 2004. She then moved to the refurbished Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, previously the home of her grandmother. In 2015, Sarah moved to Verbier, Switzerland, where she and the Duke of York owned a £13 million chalet.
Legal Issues
Sarah has faced legal issues over the years. In 2012, the Ministry of Justice of Turkey issued an international arrest warrant for Sarah. She had travelled to Turkey in 2008 and covertly filmed a Turkish state orphanage, which led to charges that carry sentences of up to 22 years imprisonment. However, under UK extradition law, she was not extradited as there was no offense under UK law.
Continued Public Presence
Despite the ups and downs, Sarah continues to be a public figure. She has written several books, worked on TV and film production, and continues to be involved in charity work.
Conclusion
Sarah Ferguson’s life has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. From her royal marriage to her philanthropic work, financial struggles, and scandals, she has remained a figure of public interest. Despite the challenges, she has shown resilience and continues to make her mark.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Sarah Ferguson?
Sarah Ferguson, also known as Fergie, is a British author, television personality, and member of the British royal family. She is the former wife of Prince Andrew, Duke of York.
When was Sarah Ferguson born?
Sarah Ferguson was born on October 15, 1959, in London.
Who are Sarah Ferguson’s children?
Sarah Ferguson has two daughters with Prince Andrew, Duke of York – Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
What is Sarah Ferguson’s connection to the royal family?
Sarah Ferguson was married to Prince Andrew, Duke of York, making her a member of the British royal family. Despite their divorce, she has maintained a relationship with the royal family.
What charity work is Sarah Ferguson known for?
Sarah Ferguson has been involved with several charities, primarily revolving around helping cancer patients and children. She has been the patron of Teenage Cancer Trust since 1990 and founded Children in Crisis and Sarah’s Trust.
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.