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SARAH \"FERGIE\" (DUCHESS OF YORK) FERGUSON - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED frame+ photo For Sale
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SARAH \"FERGIE\" (DUCHESS OF YORK) FERGUSON - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED frame+ photo:
$900.00
Sarah Duchess of York signed framed photo limited edition 352/400 signed with a letter on back from 2004
Framed overall 17 x 18 3/4 inches
The letter is on Duchess Sarah Ferguson letterhead
Thank you for yoursupport of Great OrmondStreet HospitalNest Wishes,
SarahThe Duchess of York2004
The Duchess has supports the hospital to this day with her philanthropy
Great Ormond Street Hospital (informally GOSH, formerly the Hospital for Sick Children) is a children\'s hospital located in the Bloomsbury area of the London Borough of Camden, and a part of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust.The hospital is the largest centre for child heart surgery in Britain and one of the largest centres for heart transplantation in the world. In 1962 it developed the first heart and lung bypass machine for children. With children\'s book author Roald Dahl, it developed an improved shunt valve for children with hydrocephalus, and non-invasive (percutaneous) heart valve replacements. Great Ormond Street performed the first UK clinical trials of the rubella vaccine, and the first bone marrow transplant and gene therapy for severe combined immunodeficiency.[1]The hospital is the largest centre for research and postgraduate teaching in children\'s health in Europe.[2]In 1929, J. M. Barrie donated the copyright to Peter Pan to the hospital.
History
Origins
Main entrance to Great Ormond Street HospitalThe Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street was founded on 14 February 1852 after a long campaign by Dr Charles West, and was the first hospital in England to provide in-patient beds specifically for children.[3]Despite opening with just 10 beds, it grew into one of the world\'s leading children\'s hospitals through the patronage of Queen Victoria, counting Charles Dickens, a personal friend of the Chief Physician Dr West, as one of its first fundraisers. The Nurses League was formed in February 1937.[4]
NationalisationGreat Ormond Street Hospital was nationalised in 1948, becoming part of the National Health Service. During the early years of the NHS, private fundraising for the hospital was heavily restricted, though the hospital was permitted to continue to receive pre-existing legacies.[5]Audrey Callaghan, wife of James Callaghan (prime minister of the United Kingdom from 1976 to 1979), served the hospital as Chairman of the Board of Governors from 1968 to 1972 and then as Chairman of the Special Trustees from 1983 until her final retirement in 1990.[6] Diana, Princess of Wales, served as president of the hospital from 1989 until her death. A plaque at the entrance of the hospital commemorates her services.[7]
1990sThe Charles West School of Nursing transferred from Great Ormond Street to London South Bank University in 1995.[8]
2000sIn 2002 Great Ormond Street Hospital commenced a redevelopment programme which is budgeted at £343 million and the next phase of which was scheduled to be complete by the end of 2016.[9] In July 2012, Great Ormond Street Hospital was featured in the opening ceremony of the London Summer Olympics.[10][11]In 2017 Great Ormond Street Hospital was subject to international attention regarding the Charlie Gard treatment controversy.[12][13][14]
ArchivesThe hospital\'s archives are available for research under the terms of the Public Records Act 1958 and a catalogue is available on request.[15] Admission records from 1852 to 1914 have been made available online on the Historic Hospital Admission Records Project.[16]
St Christopher\'s Chapel
St Christopher\'s Chapel in Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Main article: St Christopher\'s Chapel, Great Ormond Street HospitalSt Christopher\'s Chapel is a chapel decorated in the Byzantine style and Grade II* listed building located in the Variety Club Building of the hospital. Designed by Edward Middleton Barry (son of the architect Sir Charles Barry who designed the Houses of Parliament) and built in 1875, it is dedicated to the memory of Caroline Barry, the architect\'s sister-in-law, who provided the £40,000 required to build the chapel and a stipend for the chaplain.[17] It was built in \"elaborate Franco-Italianate style\". As the chapel exists to provide pastoral care to ill children and their families, many of its details refer to childhood. The stained glass depicts the Nativity, the childhood of Christ and biblical scenes related to children. The dome depicts a pelican pecking at her breast in order to feed her young with drops of her own blood, a traditional symbol of Christ\'s sacrifice for humanity.[18]When the old hospital was being demolished in the late 1980s, the chapel was moved to its present location via a \"concrete raft\" to prevent any damage en route. The stained glass and furniture were temporarily removed for restoration and repair. It was reopened along with the new Variety Club Building on 14 February 1994 by Diana, Princess of Wales, then president of the hospital.[19]
Peter Pan
Further information: Peter and Wendy § Copyright status
Peter Pan statue at Great Ormond Street Hospital by Diarmuid Byron O\'ConnorIn April 1929 J. M. Barrie gave the copyright to his Peter Pan works to the hospital, with the request that the income from this source not be disclosed. This gave the institution control of the rights to these works, and entitled it to royalties from any performance or publication of the play and derivative works. Innumerable performances of the play and its various adaptations have been staged, several theatrical and television adaptations have also been produced, and numerous editions of the novel have been published, all under licence from the hospital.[20][21] The hospital\'s trustees further commissioned a sequel novel, Peter Pan in Scarlet, written by Geraldine McCaughrean and published in 2006.[22][23]After the copyright first expired in the UK at the end of 1987 – 50 years after Barrie\'s death – the government\'s Copyright, Designs and Patents Act of 1988[24] granted the hospital a perpetual right to collect royalties for public performances and commercial publication of the work within the UK. This did not grant the hospital full copyright control over the work, however. When British copyright terms were later extended to the author\'s life plus 70 years by a European Union directive in 1996, Great Ormond Street revived its full copyright claim on the work. After the copyright expired again in 2007, the terms of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act again applied.[24]
Great Ormond Street Hospital Children\'s CharityThe hospital has relied on charitable support since it first opened. One of the main sources for this support is Great Ormond Street Hospital Children\'s Charity. Whilst the NHS meets the day-to-day running costs of the hospital, the fundraising income allows Great Ormond Street Hospital to remain at the forefront of child healthcare.[25] The charity aims to raise over £50 million every year to complete the next two phases of redevelopment, as well as provide substantially more fundraising directly for research. The charity also purchases up-to-date equipment, and provides accommodation for families and staff.[26][27]Great Ormond Street Hospital Children\'s Charity was one of the charities that benefited from the national Jeans for Genes campaign, which encourages people across Britain to wear their jeans and make a donation to help children affected by genetic disorders. All Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity\'s proceeds from the campaign went to its research partner, the UCL Institute of Child Health.[28]On 6 August 2009, Arsenal F.C. confirmed that Great Ormond Street Hospital Children\'s Charity was to be their \"charity of the season\" for the 2009–10 season. They raised over £800,000 for a new lung function unit at the hospital.[29]Two charity singles have been released in aid of the hospital. In 1987, \"The Wishing Well\", recorded by an ensemble line-up including Boy George, Peter Cox and Dollar amongst others became a top 30 hit.[30] In 2009, The X Factor finalists covered Michael Jackson\'s \"You Are Not Alone\" in aid of the charity, reaching No.1 in the UK Charts.[31]On 30 March 2010, Channel 4 staged the first Channel 4\'s Comedy Gala at the O2 Arena in London, in aid of the charity. The event has been repeated every year since, raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children\'s Charity each time.[32]In 2011, Daniel Boys recorded a charity single called \"The World Is Something You Can Imagine\". It was also released as with proceeds going to the Disney Appeal at Great Ormond Street Hospital.[33]In 2018, celebrity supergroup The Celebs formed at Metropolis Studios to record an original Christmas song called \"Rock With Rudolph\", written and produced by Grahame and Jack Corbyn. The song was in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. It was released digitally through independent record label Saga Entertainment in November 2018. The music video debuted exclusively with The Sun on 29 November 2018 and had its first TV showing on Good Morning Britain on 30 November 2018. The song peaked at number two on the iTunes pop Pan copyrightAt various times, Great Ormond Street has been involved in legal disputes in the United States, where the copyright term is based on date of publication, putting the 1911 novel in the public domain since the 1960s. The hospital asserted that the play, first published in 1928, was still under copyright in the US until the end of 2023.[37]
Gender identityIn August 2023 Reports indicate that during a presentation by a transgender advocacy group, personnel at Great Ormond Street Hospital learned of more than 150 expressions of gender identity. Following the shutdown of the Tavistock clinic, this renowned children\'s hospital in London has been designated as one of the new centers for child gender care.[38][39] It comes after parent groups called for the head of the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity to quit over her public support for a controversial transgender activism campaign.[40]In September 2023 it was revealed \"doctors and staff at a world-renowned children\'s hospital are being advised not to use terms such as girls and boys in diversity guidance\".[41]In January 2024 it was revealed that the new NHS clinic at Great Ormond Street \"has been hit by revolt before it has opened after several experts quit over apparent concerns with staff training\" and that \"The resignations included experts who believed the training materials were not following the independent recommendations made by Dr Hilary Cass, former president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Namely, that the service should provide an \"exploratory\" rather than \"affirmative\" approach to the child\'s health\". Some clinicians working on the new training materials and who did not resigned are understood to have felt it important to affirm a patient’s gender identity and believed patients could benefit from medication[42][43] In March 2024 NHS England has confirmed children attending these clinics will no longer receive puberty blockers and will be supported in line with the recommendations made by Dr Hilary Cassby \"resulting in a holistic approach to care\".[44]
FundraisingThe hospital\'s charity faced an investigation by the Information Commissioner\'s Office over potential breaches of data protection law in February 2017.[45] The Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity was fined \"£11,000 for sharing 910,283 records with other charities, sending on average 795,000 records per month to a wealth screening company and using email and birthdays to find out extra information about more than 311,000 supporters\".[46][47]In 2024 Fundraisers working on behalf of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children\'s Charity have found themselves embroiled in controversy due to allegations of employing \"pressure-selling techniques\". These door-to-door fundraisers have been accused of coercing people into signing up for donations.[48] An undercover investigation exposed some concerning practices such as:[48] Psychological manipulation: Fundraisers were taught to use \"psychological motivators\" and anticipate objections when interacting with potential donors at their doorsteps. This included tactics to encourage regular monthly donations via direct debit, allowing the hospital to better plan its budget. Emotional manipulation: One senior fundraiser even claimed the ability to cry on demand to evoke sympathy from potential donors. Hard-sell tactics: Trainees were armed with an array of hard-sell techniques designed to overcome any objections raised by potential donors.OtherGreat Ormond Street Hospital was involved in a scandal regarding the removal of live tissue and organs from children during surgery and onward sale to pharmaceutical companies without the knowledge of parents in 2001.[49]In January 2014, it was revealed that as a result of an accidental injection of glue into her brain, Maisha Najeeb brought a claim for compensation against the Great Ormond Street Hospital leading to a payment of up to £24million.[50][51]The hospital\'s charity faced an investigation by the Information Commissioner\'s Office over potential breaches of data protection law in February 2017.[52] The Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity was fined \"£11,000 for sharing 910,283 records with other charities, sending on average 795,000 records per month to a wealth screening company and using email and birthdays to find out extra information about more than 311,000 supporters\".[53][54]In April 2018, it was revealed children were put at risk by being given potentially dangerous drugs.[55]In April 2019, following an inquiry into the death of Amy Allan, the coroner criticised the hospital for not providing a proper plan for the teenager\'s recovery after surgery.[56]In 2019 the Great Ormond Street mortuary manager made the senior leadership aware of staffing issues. \"Since April 2019 GOSH mortuary has been very short staffed but somehow we have managed to keep our standards up, get through a HTA inspection and still give 100% care to our patients whilst having 50% staff. Patient first and always\".[57]The former Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, urged Great Ormond Street Hospital to examine a possible fundamental cultural problem amid claims it prioritizes reputation over patient care in March 2020.[58]In March 2020, the BBC conducted an investigation into the death of a child and revealed that at least six children had died of invasive aspergillosis at Great Ormond Street since 2016.[59]Several leaked emails from the head of Great Ormond Street Hospital, released in November 2020, suggested that the hospital had become accustomed to some \"bad behaviours\" and that more needed to be done to ensure staff feel safe.[60]In June 2021, the mother of a baby questioned why action was not taken sooner for her son who died at Great Ormond Street Hospital.[61]Great Ormond Street Hospital entered into an agreement with Sensyne, an AI company, in September 2021. The hospital received 1,428,571 shares in the company in exchange for patient data. Sensyne has since been delisted from the London Stock Exchange leading to a loss to the hospital of around £2 million.[62][63]Following a lawsuit against Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, a family received up to £7 million after the boy was left disabled, in July 2022.[64][65][66]In February 2023, the mother of a sick child with cancer was shocked after hearing Great Ormond Street hospital workers making jokes about his likely death.[67][68][69][70]In March 2023, it was revealed trainee dentist doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust were going unsupervised.[71]In May 2023, newspapers highlighted the case of Ryan, left unattended in a lift by a Great Ormond Street hospital worker. His mother Catherine suffered a stress-induced seizure as she fell down the stairs and broke several bones after learning what happened to her son. Ryan was found again after someone needed to use the trolley he was in, around 11 hours later. A spokesperson from the hospital said that there was a situation on the day of Ryan’s arrival and that they had half the number of staff that were due to be on duty.[72][73]Hospital cleaners have made allegations of institutional racism at Great Ormond Street Hospital in March 2023. Hospital cleaners from minority ethnic groups say they were denied NHS contracts and paid less than white NHS employees. A court hearing was concluded in 2023. Each cleaner could receive between £80,000 and £190,000 if the claims are successful.[74]In August 2023 it was revealed a child began to experience lung complications with an invasive aspergillosis infection which led to his death.[75]In February 2024, the hospital\'s orthopedic unit faced scrutiny following the discovery of the use of outdated limb lengthening devices from the Soviet era by one of its surgeons. Soviet-era limb lengthening devices are outdated and potentially unsafe compared to modern medical equipment. The use of such devices in 2017-2022 would raise concerns about patient safety, medical ethics, and the standards of care provided by the surgeon. The revelation came about after parents raised concerns.[76][77]
Patients-led assessments
Food qualityIn 2013 a survey of more than 1,300 health units revealed Great Ormond Street Hospital had the second worst score in London and the 13th lowest score overall. The hospital that treats some of the country\'s most severely ill children and teenagers said it was surprised by the results of the first patient-led assessment of non-clinical issues. According to a hospital spokeswoman, the food quality has now improved \"after extensive taste testing.\"[78]In 2023 a new patient-led assessment released by NHS Digital revealed Great Ormond Street Hospital was still ranked amongst the worst hospitals in UK with the 40th lowest score overall. As part of the assessment of food provision, assessors were asked questions regarding the choice of food offered, the availability of food 24 hours a day, meal times, and menu accessibility. A ward-level assessment of the food was also conducted, including an assessment of taste, texture, and serving temperature.[79]
Cleanlinessin 2023 the patients-led assessment data released by NHS Digital also revealed Great Ormond Street Hospital was the third worst hospital in UK for cleanliness.[79]
Notable staff Sir Lancelot Barrington-Ward, surgeon
Mildred Creak, child psychiatrist
Dr. Norman Bethune, Canadian physician and humanitarian
Gwendoline Kirby, MVO , matron 1950-
H. S. Sington, anaesthetist 1907 to 1938
Lewis Spitz, surgeon
Catherine Jane Wood, Matron from 1880See also Healthcare in London
List of hospitals in England
Evelina London Children\'s Hospital, London, UK
Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris, France
Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, OntarioSarah, Duchess of York (born Sarah Margaret Ferguson; 15 October 1959), also known by the nickname Fergie, is a British author, television personality, and member of the extended British royal family. She is the former wife of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, who is the second son of Queen Elizabeth II and a younger brother of King Charles III.Ferguson was raised in Dummer, Hampshire, and attended the Queen\'s Secretarial College. She later worked for public relations firms in London, and then for a publishing company. She began a relationship with Andrew in 1985, and they were married on 23 July 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.Both during and after her marriage, 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. 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. She has written several books for children and adults and has worked on TV and in film production.
Early lifeSarah Margaret Ferguson was born on 15 October 1959 at London Welbeck Hospital in London. She is the second daughter of Major Ronald Ferguson (1931–2003) and Susan Barrantes (née Wright; 1937–1998).[2] She has one older full sister, Jane. After Ferguson\'s parents divorced in 1974, her mother married polo player Héctor Barrantes in 1975[3] and moved to Trenque Lauquen in the Argentine pampas. Sarah stayed at the 480-acre (1.9 km2) Dummer Down Farm at Dummer, Hampshire, her father\'s home since age 8.[4][5] Major Ferguson married Susan Deptford in 1976 and had three more children: Andrew, Alice, and Elizabeth. Sarah later mentioned that at the age of 12, when her parents\' marriage started to fall apart, she developed an eating disorder and \"turned to overeating for comfort\".[6]Ferguson, known informally as \"Fergie\", once described her family as \"country gentry with a bit of old money\". 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;[7] and Anne Lennard, Countess of Sussex. She has aristocratic ancestry, being the great-great-granddaughter of the 6th Duke of Buccleuch, a great-granddaughter of the 8th Viscount Powerscourt, and a descendant of the 1st Duke of Abercorn and the 4th Duke of Devonshire.[5][8] Ferguson is distantly related to Prince Andrew, as they are both descended from the Duke of Devonshire as well as King James VI and I.[5]Ferguson attended Daneshill School, Stratfield Turgis. The staff of the school described her as a \"courageous, bubbly and outgoing little girl\".[5] She then attended Hurst Lodge School in Ascot.[9] She did not shine academically but showed talent in swimming and tennis.[5] At a young age, she developed an interest in skiing and later briefly worked as a chalet girl.[10] In her teenage years, she worked both as a cleaner and waitress.[11] After finishing a course at Queen\'s Secretarial College at the age of 18,[12] Ferguson went to work for an art gallery.[5] Later she worked in two public relations firms in London, and then for a publishing company.[5] Prior to marriage, she dated Kim Smith-Bingham, a stockbroker, and Paddy McNally, a motor racing manager more than 20 years her senior.[5][13]
Marriage to Prince Andrew
Further information: Wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson and Wedding dress of Sarah Ferguson
The Duke and Duchess of York on their wedding dayOn 19 March 1986, Prince Andrew (fourth in line to the throne at the time) and Sarah Ferguson announced their engagement.[14] Prince Andrew had known Ferguson since childhood, and they had met occasionally at polo matches and became reacquainted with each other at Royal Ascot in 1985.[5][15] Also prior to their engagement, Ferguson had accompanied Diana, Princess of Wales, during her official tour of Andrew\'s ship HMS Brazen.[5][7] Prince Andrew designed the engagement ring himself. It consisted of ten diamonds surrounding a Burmese ruby. He chose the Burmese ruby to complement Sarah\'s red hair.[16] With her fun spirit and friendly approach, she was considered to be a good addition to the royal family.[5][7]After securing the Queen\'s consent (which at that time was required by the Royal Marriages Act 1772 for all descendants of King George III), Andrew and Sarah were married in Westminster Abbey on 23 July 1986. The Queen bestowed the title Duke of York upon Prince Andrew, and, as his new wife, Sarah automatically assumed her husband\'s royal and ducal status and became Her Royal Highness The Duchess of York. As Duchess of York, Sarah joined her husband in carrying out royal engagements, including official overseas visits.
Andrew and Sarah in Townsville, 1988In 1987, the Duke and Duchess of York undertook a 25-day tour of Canada.[17] In February 1987, Sarah got a private pilot\'s licence and, after passing a 40-hour training course that was paid for by Lord Hanson as a wedding gift, was presented with her wings at RAF Benson in December.[18][19] On 22 January 1988, during the trip to New York to attend a fundraising event, Sarah was attacked by a young man at the entrance of her hotel.[20] The man, who was screaming \"murderers 3/8\" and had the Irish Republican Army flag in his hands when he rushed at Sarah, was \"charged with attempted assault on the Duchess and assault on a federal agent\".[20] Later, a State Department press officer stated that \"she was unharmed in the incident\".[20] In March 1988, the Duke and Duchess of York visited California.[21] The trip was described by two British newspapers as a \"brash, vulgar, excessive, weak-humored exhibition by two royals\".[21] The couple was defended by city officials of Los Angeles who stated that the criticism was \"awful\" and offensive, and observers described the Duke and his wife\'s behaviour as friendly and said that they fulfilled their duties.[21] In May 1989, Sarah went on an official solo trip to Berlin.[22]The couple became parents on 8 August 1988, with the birth of their daughter Beatrice. Sarah suffered from high blood pressure and excessive water retention during her pregnancy.[23] In September, Sarah joined her husband in Australia for an official visit. The decision to leave her newborn daughter at home in the UK while she was touring the country brought her criticism from the press and media.[24] Their second child, another daughter, Eugenie, was born on 23 March 1990 by caesarean section.[25][26] During her marriage, the tabloid press ridiculed the Duchess of York for her weight (which climbed to 15 stone 10 pounds (100 kg) (220 lbs) during her first pregnancy), labelling her the \"Duchess of Pork\" and \"Fat Fergie\".[27][23] She vowed to lose weight after the birth of her first daughter.[28] In 1989 Sarah was credited with kickstarting the UK popularity of exercise regime Callanetics after it was widely reported that founder Callan Pinckney had given her private tuition.[29] Sarah received praise for her weight loss and some criticism for not gaining enough weight during her second pregnancy.[30] Sarah later discussed the negative effect of the press stories about her weight on her self-esteem and added that they made her eating disorder worse.[6]
Separation and divorceBiographer Sarah Bradford described how Andrew\'s duties as a naval officer required him to stay away from home for long periods.[31] According to Sarah\'s account, the couple saw each other 40 days a year in the first five years of their marriage.[32] By 1991, the marriage was in trouble, as Sarah was finding life as a member of the royal family increasingly difficult. Her friendship with Texan multimillionaire Steve Wyatt (son of Lynn Wyatt) gained much publicity when photographs, including one of Wyatt with Sarah\'s toddler daughter, appeared in newspapers in January 1992.[33] The Duke and Duchess of York announced their separation on 19 March 1992.[34] Following the separation, the palace announced that Sarah would no longer carry out public engagements on behalf of the Queen.[34] Furthermore, the Queen announced in a statement that she would not take responsibility for Sarah\'s debts.[31] Sarah separated her residence from her husband and moved to Romenda Lodge on the Wentworth Estate, Surrey, in 1992.[35]
The Duchess of York at the Royal Welsh Show, 1991In August 1992, the British tabloid Daily Mirror published surreptitiously taken photographs of John Bryan, an American financial manager, sucking on Sarah\'s toes as she sunbathed topless.[36] Sarah endured widespread public ridicule, contributing to her further estrangement from the British royal family.[37] French magazine Paris Match was ordered to pay £84,000 in damages for publishing the photographs, though the original amount sought was £1.32 million.[38] On 28 March 1993, it was announced that the formal separation agreement between the Duke and Duchess had been settled, despite months of speculation that the couple might be reconciling.[39] In 1995, Prince Andrew\'s aunt Princess Margaret, who had received a bouquet of flowers sent by Sarah, reportedly wrote in a letter to Sarah: \"You have done more to bring shame on the family than could ever have been imagined\".[40]Reports and speculation about the couple reuniting continued into late 1995,[41] ending when the Duke and Duchess announced their mutual decision to divorce in April 1996. In the years after her divorce, Sarah claimed that she had received £15,000 a year as a divorce settlement and cited her deal as a spokeswoman with Weight Watchers as her main \"source of income\".[40][42][43] However, subsequent information given by senior officials to The Sunday Telegraph revealed that Sarah had received £350,000 in cash, £500,000 from the Queen to buy a new house for her and the children, and a monthly allowance that was estimated to have reached £500,000 in total by 2010.[44] The couple shared custody of their children.[45] In November 1996, Sarah published her autobiography My Story and embarked on a promotional tour to support it. On a US chat show she implied she and Andrew had had an open relationship, and that throughout the marriage and separation \"He always knew exactly what was going on\", she said. \"It\'s not a one-way street. We respect each other\'s space.\"[46][47] In a 2007 interview, as to why they finalised their divorce she said, \"I wanted to work; it\'s not right for a princess of the royal house to be commercial, so Andrew and I decided to make the divorce official so I could go off and get a job.\"[48]The decree nisi was granted on 17 April 1996 and the divorce was finalised on 30 May 1996,[49][50] after which she legally retained the style Her Royal Highness with the style of other divorced peeresses. However, it was announced in April that Sarah had chosen not to use the style Her Royal Highness and would relinquish it under the divorce terms.[49] In accordance with letters patent issued in August 1996 regulating post-divorce royal titles, Sarah formally ceased being a Royal Highness.[51]
Sarah and her daughters in Verbier, 2004Since her divorce, Sarah has attended some functions with her daughters, such as the investitures of the Duke of York into the Royal Victorian Order and the Order of the Garter, and Royal Ascot, and on those occasions, she is afforded the courtesy of treatment as a member of the royal family.[52] Sarah hinted at the idea of remarrying Andrew in several interviews.[53] In August 2013, she was invited to stay at Balmoral Castle with Prince Andrew and their daughters as guests of the Queen, and in September 2013, in response to a question about the possibility of remarrying Andrew, Sarah said, \"He\'s still my handsome prince, he\'ll always be my handsome prince.\"[54][55]She was not invited to the 1999 wedding of Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones or the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton,[53][56][57] but she attended the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. However, she did not receive an invitation to the evening reception at Frogmore House hosted by Prince Charles, and was reportedly \"deeply upset\" by her exclusion.[58]The Lord Chamberlain\'s Office has listed Sarah as a member of the royal family, along with other extended family members such as Daniel Chatto and Mike Tindall.[59] As of June 2023 she is not, however, listed on a section of the royal family\'s website titled \"Members of the Royal Family\".[60] She attended the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, and was seated by her daughters\' side, but she was not invited to the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023.[61][62]On 25 December 2023, Sarah joined the royal family for Christmas at St Mary Magdalene Church, Sandringham for the first time since 1992.[63]
Personal life after divorce
Sarah at a 1997 Weight Watchers eventAfter the divorce, the British tabloids continued to cover Sarah\'s lifestyle. In 1995, a baggage handler at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City pleaded guilty to stealing her $382,000 diamond necklace and bracelet.[64][65] Sarah\'s commercial interests have included an eleven-year endorsement with Weight Watchers and product development and promotion with Wedgwood and Avon.[66]Until 2004, the Duke of York and his former wife shared the family\'s home, Sunninghill Park in Berkshire.[67] That year, the Duke moved to the refurbished Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, previously the home of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who resided there until her death in 2002. In 2007, Sarah rented Dolphin House in Englefield Green, less than a mile from Royal Lodge;[68] a fire at Dolphin House in 2008[69] caused her to vacate the premises and move into Royal Lodge with her former husband.[70]In 2015, Sarah was reported to have moved out of Royal Lodge and assumed residence in Verbier, Switzerland, where she and the Duke of York owned a £13 million chalet.[71] She applied for Swiss residency in 2016.[72] Sarah also maintains a rented apartment in Eaton Square in London and a room at Royal Lodge.[71][73]As one of the victims of the News International phone hacking scandal which came into public notice in 2006, Sarah received an undisclosed amount in an out-of-court settlement.[74] In April 2016, she was named in the Panama Papers.[75]
Debt problemsIn the mid-1990s, Sarah 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.[44][45]In 2006, Sarah used the money she had earned from her career as a film producer and writer to found Hartmoor LLC in the US.[76] A lifestyle company, it was set to help with her \"career in publishing, media and public speaking\".[77] The company collapsed in 2009, leaving Sarah with a debt of £630,000.[77] Later in the same year, it was revealed that she was in a financial dispute with three firms and in September she was summoned \"to court in the UK for unpaid bills\".[77] It was reported in August 2010 that Sarah might declare voluntary bankruptcy with debts of £5 million,[78] though other sources had suggested she owed about £2 million.[79]In March 2011, it was reported that Jeffrey Epstein had helped Sarah avoid bankruptcy by paying off some of her debts. The payments were reportedly made after intervention from the Duke of York.[80] She later admitted getting money from Epstein and called it a \"gigantic error\".[81] In the summer of 2011, Finding Sarah aired on the OWN network. One episode of the U.S.-filmed reality series depicted Sarah meeting with Suze Orman, the internationally known financial advisor, receiving from Orman a strict lecture and practical advice on how to resolve her financial issues.[82] Juan Alessi, a staff member at Epstein\'s Florida residence for 12 years, said in an unsealed deposition that he believed Ferguson visited \"only once and for a short time\".[83][84][85]In May 2020, it was reported that Andrew and Sarah were in a legal dispute over a debt from the 2014 purchase of their Swiss chalet.[86] They had taken out a mortgage of £13.25 million and were expected to pay the remaining £5 million of the purchase price in cash instalments by the end of 2019;[86] interest had increased this to £6.8 million.[87] Despite reports that the Queen would assist them, a spokesperson for the Duke of York confirmed that she \"will not be stepping in to settle the debt\".[88] The Times reported in September 2021 that Sarah and Andrew had reached a legal agreement with the property\'s previous owner, and would sell the house to pay back their debt.[89] The owner agreed to receive £3.4 million, half of the amount that she was owed, as she had been under impression that Sarah and Andrew were dealing with financial troubles.[87] In August 2022, it was reported that Sarah had purchased a £5 million townhouse in Mayfair after the success of her novel Her Heart for a Compass.[90]
Cash for accessIn May 2010, Sarah was filmed by the News of the World offering Mazher Mahmood, an undercover reporter posing as an Indian businessman, access to Prince Andrew for £500,000.[91] On the video made as a documentary source for the story, which is publicly available, Sarah is heard to say, \"£500,000 when you can, to me, open doors\".[92] She is seen taking away a briefcase containing £40,000 in cash. Exposure surrounding the incident increased Sarah\'s public profile and notoriety.[93]Sterling Publishers substantially increased the print run of Ashley Learns About Strangers, Sarah\'s latest book for children; however, the notoriety did not translate into additional book sales.[94] In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, titled Oprah and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, Sarah explained her behaviour by saying that she had been drinking prior to soliciting the cash, and was \"in the gutter at that moment\".[95] She also claimed that her intention was initially to help a friend who \"needed $38,000 (£28,000) urgently\" but she ultimately asked for more money due to her own financial problems.[96]In November 2016, it was reported that Sarah intended to sue News Group Newspapers (parent company of the News of the World) and its owner Rupert Murdoch for £25 million in damages citing her \"loss in earnings\" as well as the subsequent \"distress\" that the media sting brought to her as the main reasons.[97] In January 2018, it was reported that the actual amount Sarah was seeking was £45 million.[98]In March 2022 it was reported that the wife of jailed Turkish politician İlhan İşbilen alleged that Sarah received at least £225,000 from businessman Selman Turk, whom Mrs İşbilen is suing for fraud.[99] An additional £25,000 was sent by Turk in October 2019 to the bank account of Sarah\'s younger daughter, Eugenie, the second instalment of which was referenced \"birthday gift\", reportedly \"to pay for a surprise birthday party for the Duchess\".[100] Sarah was owed £225,000 by Pegasus Group Holdings for her role as brand ambassador, but she received the full amount from Turk, who was then set to reclaim the money from Pegasus.[100]
2012 Turkey legal incidentOn 13 January 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. The Turkish authorities alleged that Sarah made a false declaration when entering the country (in regard to her motives for visiting Turkey), trespassed into a Turkish Government institution, and also invaded the privacy of children.[101] These charges carry sentences of up to 22 years imprisonment. Turkey and Britain have an extradition treaty; however, Home Office officials have stated:[102] Under UK extradition law a judge must order the discharge of [an extradition request] if it is not an offence under UK law and in the country requesting extradition. In this case there is no offence in UK law so there will be no extradition.Turkey maintains that Sarah distorted information about the orphanage and used an isolated incident in a smear campaign against the Republic of Turkey. Turkey invited international human rights organisations to inspect any orphanage of its choosing to show its transparency in relation to the issue.[103][104]On 5 May 2012, the trial began into the charges brought by the Ankara State Prosecutor\'s office. Cansu Şahin, representing Ferguson, who was not present, told the Ankara court that her client has apologised and would like to plea-bargain with the prosecution.[105][106]
HealthIn June 2023, it was announced that Sarah had been diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer following a routine mammogram. She successfully underwent a single mastectomy at King Edward VII\'s Hospital, and her doctors stated her prognosis as \"good\".[107][108] She also underwent reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy.[109]In January 2024, it was announced that Sarah had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma after having several moles removed for analysis.[110]
Charity workSince her marriage to Prince Andrew, and continuing after the divorce, Sarah has been involved with a number of charities.In 1990, Sarah became patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust. She has since opened most of the charity\'s various units, including those at Middlesex Hospital, University College London, St James\'s University Hospital, Cardiff University Hospital and Royal Marsden Hospital.[111] Sarah began her work with people suffering from motor neurone disease in the 1990s. In her capacity as patron of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, she promoted fundraising campaigns for research about the disease and later became president of the International Alliance for ALS.[112][113] To help and support those affected by drug misuse, she joined therapy sessions at the Chemical Dependency Centre and was later made their patron.[113] In 1993, Sarah founded Children in Crisis, a children\'s charity focused on education and grant making to international programmes. Sarah serves as founder and life president.[114] She founded the charity after meeting a young cancer victim named Ania during her visit to Poland in 1992.[115]In December 1994, Sarah went to the US to take part in a fundraising event for Peace Links and to launch her own charity, Chances for Children, in the US.[116] Her decision to launch a fundraising event for her charity in the US was criticised by the British press, who claimed that through her Budgie the Little Helicopter series she was \"expected to earn 400 million pounds over the next five years, with 3 million pounds a year going into her royal pocket\" despite her promise to donate part of her earnings to charity.[116] The claims were denied by Sarah\'s representative,[116] and she later responded to the criticism by saying, \"What you all must understand is that the Budgie books were produced in 1987. That\'s when I gave a large percentage to charity. ... And maybe after costs, after the animation is made, after everything else and the popcorn and everything else, then perhaps in five to ten years, maybe I might receive a little bit of my percentage, and that I hope will be at that time going back into Chances for Children\".[113] \"Little Red\", the doll that was used as a logo for her American charity, later inspired her to write a series of books named after the doll. The proceeds from selling the doll also went to Chances for Children.[117]
Sarah and Vivian Pinn, NIH associate director for women\'s health, at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, United States, June 1998In June 1998, Sarah made a brief trip to Bethesda to receive an award from the Journal of Women\'s Health.[118] She also visited the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center.[118] NIH associate director for communications said, \"The Duchess has many opportunities to talk to women via television, at lectures and through print media interviews\" and was interested \"in learning from NIH scientists what major health messages she should deliver to women, based on the research conducted through NIH.\"[118] Sarah, whose elder daughter Beatrice was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of seven, became a patron of Springboard for Children, a charity that helps students who struggle with reading and writing.[119] Sarah has also described herself as \"a little bit dyslexic\".[119]
Sarah at The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection 2005 Fashion Show, in her role as ambassador of The Heart TruthIn 2003, Sarah joined the American Cancer Society at a congressional briefing. She was a founding supporter of the American Cancer Society\'s Great American Weigh In,[120] an annual campaign (modelled after the Society\'s Great American Smoke Out) aimed at raising awareness of the link between excess weight and cancer. In 2004, Sarah was named the official spokesperson of SOS Children\'s Villages – USA and in 2005 she became a global ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Charities.[121][122] In 2006, Sarah established The Sarah Ferguson Foundation[123] based in Toronto, which derives funds from Sarah\'s commercial work and private donations with the aim of supporting charities internationally that serve children and families in dire need. Included under this umbrella organisation is her patronage and support of several British charities, including Mental Disability Rights International, the African-Caribbean Leukaemia Trust, Tommy\'s, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, and CARE International.[124] In 2009, it was reported that despite its income of £250,000 over 18 months, the foundation had spent only £14,200 on grants, £6,300 of which was given to the charitable arm of a South African private game reserve owned by Sir Richard Branson, a friend of Sarah\'s. Following the report, the foundation released a list that showed they spent around $400,000 on donations in 2008.[77]In 2007, Sarah joined the Advisory Council of the Ophelia Project, an American initiative aimed to support people dealing with relational and other non-physical forms of aggression.[125] In 2008, Sarah became patron of Humanitas, a charity focused on providing children with education, healthcare and family support.[126] In the same year, she became an ambassador for New York mayor Michael Bloomberg\'s anti-poverty campaign.[127] In 2010, Sarah became a supporter of the Mullany Fund,[128] whose aim is to support British students wishing to study medicine or physiotherapy. In 2011, Sarah became the global ambassador for Not For Sale, a charity focused on human slavery.[129] In 2013, Sarah, along with her former husband, the Duke of York and their daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, founded Key To Freedom, a business structure for women in vulnerable situations in India who can sell their wares through the British retailer Topshop. In 2014, Sarah was appointed an ambassador for the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London.[130][131] In 2015, Sarah revealed her connection with India and polo when she attended as a chief guest of HVR Baroda Cup in New Delhi under the invitation of Harshavardhan Reddy, chairman of HVR Sports.[132]
Sarah with Heather Melville and Marcis Skadmanis in Lancaster House, London, June 2017In 2016, Sarah collaborated with British contemporary artist Teddy McDonald and her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, to create the first Royal contemporary painting. Titled Royal Love, it was painted on the lawn of Royal Lodge and features positive thoughts and quotes by Sarah and the princesses. The painting was exhibited in London at the Masterpiece Art Fair, Chelsea in June/July 2016 and later saleed at private dinner. The proceeds from the sale of the painting were donated by McDonald to the charity Children in Crisis. British GQ magazine published an exclusive on the creation of the painting.[133] In 2017, Sarah was joined by her daughter Eugenie to mark the second anniversary of the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at Alder Hey Children\'s Hospital.[134] In the same year, she was named an ambassador for the British Heart Foundation.[135]On the 25th anniversary of Children in Crisis\'s foundation in 2018, Sarah said that working with this charity \"gave her a sense of perspective and purpose during tough times\".[136] Sarah merged her charity foundation with Street Child, an organisation run by Tom Dannatt in Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sierra Leone, of which Sarah has become a patron,[136] and her daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, are the ambassadors.[115] Sarah is also a patron of Julia\'s House, a children\'s hospice in Corfe Mullen.[137]In June 2019, Sarah became the patron of Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, an organisation founded in honour of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died in 2016 due to an allergic reaction after consuming a sandwich. Sarah, whose own paternal uncle died following an allergic reaction, was asked by Ednan-Laperouse\'s parents to become their charity\'s patron. The organisation is working on a bill called \"Natasha\'s Law\", which \"requires all food businesses in England and Northern Ireland to list every ingredient in their pre-packaged foods\".[138] Later in July, she became an ambassador for the technology infrastructure company Pegasus Group Holdings. Sarah was chosen to initiate \"the company\'s philanthropic endeavors\" as they develop an \"off-grid renewable energy data center\".[139]In June 2020, Sarah launched her new charitable foundation called Sarah\'s Trust. The charity has provided aid for NHS, care home and hospice staff by delivering more than 150,000 items, including food, masks, scrubs, and toiletries.[140] Organisations such as Under One Sky and NOAH Enterprise have helped the foundation by giving sleeping bags to homeless people in the UK. Essentials and supplies have also been sent to Ghana.[141] In March 2022, Sarah visited Denver after being chosen as the keynote speaker at a Junior League of Denver fundraiser.[142] In the same month, she travelled to Poland amid the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine to meet with Ukrainian refugees and help her charity the Sarah\'s Trust in organising goods donated by UK citizens.[143] In the following month, she travelled to Albania and met Afghan refugees at a resort in Golem.[144] In her capacity as chief ambassador of the Montessori Group, Sarah visited Croatia in June 2022 where she promoted the organisation\'s work on providing help for Ukrainian refugees and supporting children.[145] In July 2022, her charity secured money to fund £14,000-worth of computers for Ukrainian refugees in Poland.[146] She also helped with setting up the \'Play in a Box\' tent in Upper Silesia to host refugee children for reading, playing, and baking.[146] In December 2022, she hosted a choir for the blind from Kharkiv\'s Special Training Educational Complex during their visit to the UK, for which she was awarded with a certificate and badge from Poland\'s National Institute for the Blind.[147]
Film and television career
Sarah at the 2009 Toronto International Film FestivalIn 2000, Sarah co-produced and served as presenter in a documentary for BBC television called In Search of the Spirit.[148] In September 2003, she was a co-host for 3 days on BBC Radio 2\'s afternoon show Steve Wright.[149] In May 2004, Sarah hosted an eleven-minute production featurette on Universal\'s DVD Peter Pan, titled The Legacy of Pan.[125] Five months later, Walt Disney Feature Animation released a DVD The Cat That Looked at a King, with Sarah\'s voice in the role of the Queen;[125] the story is derived from the Mary Poppins books by P. L. Travers.In 2008, Sarah was a special correspondent to NBC\'s Today for which she presented segments for a series called \"From the Heart\".[125][127] In May 2008, her two-part film The Duchess in Hull premiered on ITV1, showing Sarah helping a family on a council estate in Hull to improve their lifestyle.[150] In the same year she travelled to Romania and Turkey for the documentary Duchess and Daughters: Their Secret Mission, shown on ITV1 on 6 November 2008, investigating poor treatment and conditions in children\'s institutions in those two countries.[151] In August 2009, her documentary The Duchess on the Estate, which was about Northern Moor, Manchester, was shown on the same network.[152][153] Her report on the suburb area in Manchester caused criticism for exaggerating crime in the area.[77]Sarah had a producing role (credited as \"Sarah Ferguson\") in the 2009 Jean-Marc Vallée film The Young Victoria, starring Emily Blunt and featuring a background player role for Sarah\'s daughter Princess Beatrice.[154][155] It was Sarah who conceived the idea for a film based upon the early years of Queen Victoria. Since her marriage to Prince Andrew, she had been interested in the Queen, and had written two books about her with the help of a historian. The Victoria-Albert relationship in particular drew her into the queen\'s history, as she believed there were parallels between their marriage and her own with Prince Andrew, as they both \"fought for their love\" in the midst of public scrutiny.[154]Sarah had the leading role on a mini-series on Oprah Winfrey Network, titled Finding Sarah, which premiered in June 2011. She talked about her struggles through life and financial issues in the show.[156]In 2019, Sarah said that she was producing a TV documentary about Prince Albert\'s mother Princess Louise of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg. The documentary will focus on her life, particularly her separation from her husband Ernest I, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.[157][needs update]In April 2020, Sarah launched a new series on her YouTube channel, called Storytime with Fergie and Friends, in which she and a number of authors, including Nanette Newman and Imogen Edwards-Jones, read stories to children from their homes during the lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[158] From March to July 2021, the same channel showed 10 short episodes of Little Red News featuring characters from Ferguson\'s book series, Little Red.[159]In May 2022, she co-founded the independent production house Vestapol Films, which is based in Paris.[160] In May 2023, she launched the weekly podcast Tea Talks with the Duchess & Sarah together with Sarah Thomson, which premiered in June 2023.[161]
Notable appearances on TV and radio In the United Kingdom:
She participated in the programme The Grand Knockout Tournament, informally known as It\'s a Royal Knockout, on 15 June 1987, in which four teams sponsored by her, the Duke of York, the Princess Royal, and Prince Edward competed for charity. The programme was criticised by the media and it was later reported that the Queen was not in favour of the event, with her courtiers having advised against it.[162]
Parkinson in 2003.[163]
The Meredith Vieira Show in 2015, discussing her former husband\'s alleged sex scandal.[164]
This Morning in 2019 to discuss \"Natasha\'s Law\".[165] She guest-edited and co-hosted an episode in 2023.[166]
In the United States:
The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1996 and 1999.[167][168] In 2010, she was interviewed for a special episode on the same show, titled Oprah and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, in which she discussed the \"cash for access\" scandal.[169]
In May 1998, Sarah made a cameo in the fourth-season finale of the American television sitcom Friends.[170]
In Australia:
In 2013, Sarah was interviewed for an episode of Nine Network\'s 60 Minutes, titled \"Seeing Red\".[171]Cultural references The 2006 title of R&B/Hip Hop singer Stacy \"Fergie\" Ferguson\'s debut solo album, The Dutchess (dutchess is a variant spelling of duchess dating to the 17th century[172]) was a reference to the fact that the two are associated with the same nickname. According to various media outlets, Sarah called Fergie after the release of her album and remarked: \"Fergie, it\'s Fergie... Now that you\'ve done this, you have to sing at a concert for my foundation, \'Children in Crisis\'.\"[173] Fergie agreed and committed to charity concerts in London and New York City.
Between 2016 and 2020, a fictional version of her was portrayed by Katy Wix in the British sitcom The Windsors.[174]
In 2020, Sarah was portrayed briefly by English actress Jessica Aquilina in the fourth season of Netflix\'s The Crown.[175]Titles, styles, honours and arms
Titles and styles
Monogram used by Sarah, Duchess of York[176]During her marriage, Sarah was styled \"Her Royal Highness The Duchess of York\". On 21 August 1996, letters patent declared that former wives of British princes, other than widows who did not remarry, were not entitled to the style of Her Royal Highness.[51] Meanwhile, divorced peeresses (such as duchesses) cannot \"claim the privileges or status of Peeresses which they derived from their husbands\",[177] but may continue to use the peeress title.[178] The Royal Household refers to Sarah as \"Sarah, Duchess of York\",[179][180] but on at least two occasions (the announcements of the engagements of her daughters), she has been referred to together with her former husband as \"The Duke and Duchess of honours 1991–1995: University of Salford, Chancellor[183]
2016: University of Huddersfield, Visiting professor of Philanthropreneurship[184]Other honours and awards On 23 February 1987, alongside her then husband, she received the Freedom of the City of York.[185]
The rose cultivar Rosa \'Duchess of York\' was named in her honour in 1994.[186]
In 1998, Sarah received the Journal of Women\'s Health Award from Bernadine Healy.[125]
In 2001, she received Redbook magazine\'s \"Mothers & Shakers\" Award.[125]
In 2004, she received Woman\'s Day magazine\'s \"Women Who Inspire Us\" Award.[125][127]
In February 2007, she was named Mother of the Year by the American Cancer Society.[187]
In 2007, she received the ONE X ONE Difference Award for humanitarian work benefiting children worldwide, presented at the Toronto Film Festival.[125][127]
In June 2018, she received the Humanitarian Award at the Filming Italy Sardegna Festival for her work with Children in Crisis.[188]
In June 2019, she received the Inspiration of the Year Award at Hello!\'s Star Women Awards for her work with charity organisations, including Street Child.[189]
In July 2022, she received the Global Humanitarian award at the 25th Magna Grecia Awards.[190]
In April 2023, she received the Golden Heart Award at the Women Changing the World Awards for her humanitarian work.[191]
In November 2023, she received the Red Cross International Award in recognition of her philanthropic activities.[192]
In March 2024, The Independent included her on its \"Influence List\".[193]Arms
Coat of arms of Sarah, Duchess of York
Adopted
1996
Escutcheon
Or, growing out of a mound between two leaves three thistle stalks Vert blossomed Purpure all conjoined in base, alighting on the middle blossom a honeybee Or and Sable winged Argent.
Motto
EX ADVERSIS FELICITAS CRESCIT
(Latin: From adversity grows happiness)
Other versions
During her marriage Sarah\'s arms were impaled with those of her husband, Prince Andrew. They were emblazoned as follows:Quarterly 1st and 4th gules three lions passant guardant in pale or 2nd or a lion rampant gules within a double tressure flory counterflory gules 3rd azure a harp or stringed argent; impaled with a shield Or, growing out of a mound between two leaves three thistle stalks Vert blossomed Purpure all conjoined in base, alighting on the middle blossom a honeybee Or and Sable winged Argent.Supporters Dexter a lion rampant gardant Or imperially crowned proper, sinister a unicorn argent, armed, crined and unguled Or, gorged with a coronet Or composed of crosses patée and fleurs de lis a chain affixed thereto passing between the forelegs and reflexed over the back also Or.Coronet Coronet of a child of the sovereign
Issue
Name Birth Marriage Issue
Date Spouse
Princess Beatrice 8 August 1988 17 July 2020 Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi Sienna Mapelli Mozzi
Princess Eugenie 23 March 1990 12 October 2018 Jack Brooksbank August Brooksbank
Ernest Brooksbank
Bibliography
Books Autobiographies and memoirs:
1997, My Story ISBN 978-0671004392
2011, Finding Sarah: A Duchess\'s Journey to Find Herself ISBN 978-1439189559
Budgie the Little Helicopter books and 1994 animated children\'s television series:
1989, Budgie the Little Helicopter ISBN 978-0671676834
1989, Budgie at Bendick\'s Point ISBN 978-0689808494
1991, Budgie and the Blizzard ISBN 978-0671734756
1992, The Adventures of Budgie ISBN 978-0671792497
1995, Budgie Books – S and S USA ISBN 978-0750096638
1996, Budgie Goes to Sea ISBN 978-0689808500
2021, Budgie the Helicopter Rescues Kubbie the Koala
About Queen Victoria:
1991, Victoria and Albert: A Family Life at Osborne House ISBN 978-0139508820
1993, Travels with Queen Victoria ISBN 978-0297831952
For young girls:
1996, The Royal Switch ISBN 978-0440412137
1997, Bright Lights ISBN 978-0440412168
Lifestyle books with Weight Watchers:
1998, Dieting with The Duchess ISBN 978-0684857459
1999, Dining with The Duchess ISBN 978-0684852164
2000, Win the Weight Game ISBN 978-0684870786
2001, Reinventing Yourself with the Duchess of York ISBN 978-1439146194
2002, Energy Breakthrough: Jump-start Your Weight Loss and Feel Great ISBN 978-0743232869
2009, foreword in Weight Watchers Start Living, Start Losing: Inspirational Stories That Will Motivate You Now ISBN 978-0470189146
Little Red series:
2003, Little Red ISBN 978-1416918530
2004, Little Red\'s Christmas Story ISBN 978-1442430761
2006, Little Red\'s Summer Adventure ISBN 978-0689875717
2009, Little Red to the Rescue ISBN 978-0689875656
2009, Little Red\'s Autumn Adventure ISBN 978-0689843419
Helping Hands series:
2007, Charlie and the Bullies ISBN 978-1906260095
2007, Harry Starts to Enjoy His Food ISBN 978-1906260064
2007, Get Well Soon, Adam ISBN 978-1402774010
2007, Lauren\'s Moving Day ISBN 978-1402773983
2007, Healthy Food for Dylan ISBN 978-1402774003
2007, Sophie Makes Friends ISBN 978-1906260118
2007, Dalia Says Goodbye to Grandpa ISBN 978-1906260071
2007, Simon Gets Better ISBN 978-1906260026
2007, Emily Mover Home ISBN 978-1906260002
2010, Ashley Learns about Strangers ISBN 978-1402773938
2010, Emily\'s First Day of School ISBN 978-1402773921
2010, Michael and His New Baby Brother ISBN 978-1402773907
2010, Matthew and the Bullies ISBN 978-1402773914
2011, When Katie\'s Parents Separated ISBN 978-1402773952
2011, Zach Gets Some Exercise ISBN 978-1402773990
2011, Jacob Goes to the Doctor and Sophie Visits the Dentist ISBN 978-1402773969
2011, Molly Makes Friends ISBN 978-1402773976
2011, Olivia Says Goodbye to Grandpa ISBN 978-1402773945
2019, James and the Bullies ISBN 978-1916105218
2020, Holly\'s First Day at School ISBN 978-1916105232
2020, Daisy Learns about Strangers ISBN 978-1916105225
Genie Gems series:
2020, Genie Gems: Mission to Devon ISBN 978-0648803164
2020, Genie Gems Meets Arthur Fantastic ISBN 978-0648803126
Puddle Boots series:
2021, Puddle Boots ISBN 978-0645099676
2021, Puddle Boots Christmas ISBN 978-0645355949
About Margaret and Mary Montagu Douglas Scott:
2021, Her Heart for a Compass ISBN 978-0062976529
2023, A Most Intriguing Lady ISBN 978-0008512972
The Southport series:
2022, Demon\'s Land ISBN 978-0645355994
2022, Field of Sky ISBN 978-0645516296
1988, A Guard Within ISBN 978-0394758343
1989, Skiing from the Inside: The Self-help Guide to Mastering the Slopes ISBN 978-0671697112
2003, What I Know Now: Simple Lessons Learned the Hard Way ISBN 978-1416578413
2003, Moments ISBN 978-1862055735
2008, Tea for Ruby ISBN 978-1442426337
2008, Hartmoor ISBN 978-1405054126
2012, Ballerina Rosie ISBN 978-1442430679
2020, The Enchanted Oak Tree ISBN 978-0648840848
2020, A Gift of Kindness
2021, The Adventures of Charlie, Blue and Larry Lamp Post ISBN 978-0645268904
2021, What\'s Under Your Hat, Granny? ISBN 978-0645218312
2023, The Girl on the Ceiling ISBN 978-0645355932Authored articles
Ferguson, Sarah (13 July 2018). \"Street Child can take the work I started 25 years ago to even more children\". Evening Standard.
Sarah, Duchess of York (11 February 2019). \"#HelloToKindness: Duchess of York writes heartfelt open letter about \'sewer\' of social media\". Hello!.
Ferguson, Sarah (31 March 2021). \"As a result of the pandemic, young people with cancer need our support more than ever\". The Telegraph.
Ferguson, Sarah (21 April 2023). \"Now I\'m a grandma, I\'m terrified about climate change\". The Telegraph.Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has revealed that she has battled with over-eating since she was 12, and also that she now plans to adopt a child, even if she never remarries.The ex-wife of Prince Andrew described how she struggled against obesity for most of her life and was devastated when tabloids dubbed her \'Duchess of Pork\' and \'Fat Fergie\'.In an exclusive interview with The Observer\'s Tim Adams she revealed that press stories about her weight wrecked her self-esteem and worsened her eating disorder. \'It took my opinion of myself to absolutely nothing, a piece of dirt. And maybe I had to reach that point to start to put myself back together,\' she said.The duchess was a favourite butt of tabloid jokes for years. They slammed her fondness for parties and her plump appearance, and exposed her affairs with men. But in recent years her image has undergone a remarkable transformation. She has ceased royal duties and devoted herself to charity work and being the American spokeswoman for Weight Watchers.She is remarkably honest about the truth behind her old role. \'Prince Philip said I was \"pointless\", and probably at the time he was right,\' she said.Now, 10 years after the notorious \'toe-sucking\' pictures of her with American businessman John Bryan, Fergie is more widely recognised for her genuine friendship with her ex-husband, Andrew, and her devotion to Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice. She said she still longed to meet a new partner and marry again. She also wants more children, even if she does not find another husband. \'If I\'m past the age of having another baby, I\'ll adopt. Either way, I will have another baby. Maybe on my own,\' she said.Fergie, who spoke to The Observer while on a trip to Sierra Leone for her charity Children In Crisis, also said that her work for Weight Watchers had allowed her to gain control of her life and stop over-eating. The work had given meaning to her life. In the US she is now a leading voice on health issues and co-ordinates a government committee on obesity. She was recruited to the £1million-a-year Weight Watchers job by Irish businessman Tony O\'Reilly. \'He was my saviour,\' she said.A spokeswoman for Weight Watchers said it was grateful for the work Fergie had done to highlight the problems of over-eating and its associated psychological conditions. \'A lot of our work is about getting control of someone\'s life and recognising the emotional triggers that have us reaching for a tub of ice cream,\' she said.Fergie also spoke candidly about her past, saying she developed an eating problem when she was just 12 and her mother left her, her sister and their father, to move to Argentina with glamorous polo player Hector Barrantes. It was a huge society scandal at the time.Ferguson said she blamed herself for being abandoned by her mother and turned to overeating for comfort. \'She was my spirit. My whole soul and she went,\' she said. \'I believed it was my fault - of course I did. She hardly contacted me at all and that\'s when food became my only friend.\'Fergie was also deeply affected by the deaths in quick succession of her mother and two close friends: Princess Diana and Carolyn Cotterell, who first introduced her to Prince Andrew. The three died within three years. \'I did think then: \"Are you going to waste your life and just eat yourself silly, Sarah, or are you going to wake up?\"\'Cotterell and Ferguson shared a London flat together when they were both single. Cotterell died three years ago from skin cancer and Fergie was a regular visitor during her friend\'s 18 months of terminal illness.She revealed that everywhere she goes she takes a statuette of the Virgin Mary that Cotterell gave to her on her death bed. \'She took the Blessed Lady and she handed it to me and she said: \"Your need is greater than mine, Fergie.\" And since she has gone I have taken the statuette everywhere. It has been awful without her.\'Fergie said she saw her current charity work, which has taken her all over the world, including some of the globe\'s worst troublespots, as a kind of \'therapy\'.\'This is my Priory,\' she said, refering to the celebrity clinic. \'It keeps me grounded.\'The British royal family comprises King Charles III and his close relations. There is no strict legal or formal definition of who is or is not a member, although the Royal Household has issued different lists outlining who is a part of the royal family.[1][2] Members often support the monarch in undertaking public engagements, and pursue charitable work and interests. Members of the royal family are regarded as British and world cultural icons.
Members
Further information: List of members of the House of Windsor and Family tree of the British royal familyThe Lord Chamberlain\'s \"List of the Royal Family\" published in August 2020 mentions all of King George VI\'s descendants and their spouses (including Sarah, Duchess of York, who is divorced), along with Queen Elizabeth II\'s cousins with royal rank and their spouses.[2] The list applies for the purposes of regulating the use of royal symbols and images of the family.[3] Meanwhile, the website of the royal family provides a list of \"Members of the Royal Family\"; those listed correspond to the royal family members mentioned and pictured below, with the exception of Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, the Duchess of Kent, and Prince Michael of Kent and his wife.[1] The core of the royal family comprises King Charles III and Queen Camilla; William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales; Anne, Princess Royal; Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh who carry out royal duties full-time.[4]
Lower profile relatives who perform some duties are Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester and Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester; Prince Edward, Duke of Kent; and Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy.[4]
Other members of the royal family with royal rank who do not carry out official duties are Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis of Wales; Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex; Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet of Sussex; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; Princess Beatrice; Princess Eugenie; Katharine, Duchess of Kent; and Prince Michael and Princess Michael of Kent.[4] The King and Queen
The King and Queen
The Prince and Princess of Wales
The Prince and Princess of Wales
The Princess Royal
The Princess Royal
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
The Duke of Kent
The Duke of Kent
Princess Alexandra, The Hon. Lady Ogilvy
Princess Alexandra, The Hon. Lady Ogilvy Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte of Wales
Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte of Wales
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex
The Duke of York
The Duke of York
Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice
Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice
The Duchess of Kent
The Duchess of Kent
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent
Prince and Princess Michael of KentCurrent British royal family tree
King George V
† Queen Mary
†
King George VI
† Queen Elizabeth
† Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester
† Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester
† Prince George, Duke of Kent
† Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent
†
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
† Queen Elizabeth II
† Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon
† Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon
† The Duke of Gloucester
(31) The Duchess of Gloucester The Duke of Kent
(41) The Duchess of Kent Sir Angus Ogilvy
† Princess Alexandra
(57) Prince Michael of Kent
(52) Princess Michael of Kent
Diana, Princess of Wales
† The King The Queen Mark Phillips The Princess Royal
(17) Sir Timothy Laurence The Duke of York
(8) Sarah, Duchess of York The Duke of Edinburgh
(14) The Duchess of Edinburgh The Earl of Snowdon
(25) The Countess of Snowdon Daniel Chatto Lady Sarah Chatto
(28)
The Prince of Wales
(1) The Princess of Wales The Duke of Sussex
(5) The Duchess of Sussex Peter Phillips
(18) Autumn Phillips Zara Tindall
(21) Michael Tindall Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi Princess Beatrice
(9) Jack Brooksbank Princess Eugenie
(11) Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor
(16) Earl of Wessex
(15) Viscount Linley
(26) Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones
(27) Samuel Chatto
(29) Arthur Chatto
(30)
Prince George of Wales
(2) Princess Charlotte of Wales
(3) Prince Louis of Wales
(4) Prince Archie of Sussex
(6) Princess Lilibet of Sussex
(7) Savannah Phillips
(19) Isla Phillips
(20) Mia Tindall
(22) Lena Tindall
(23) Lucas Tindall
(24) Sienna Mapelli Mozzi
(10) August Brooksbank
(12) Ernest Brooksbank
(13) Notes Numbers in brackets indicate places in the line of succession.[5][6][7]
Boxes indicate living individuals with royal titles and styles.
Purple indicates living individuals listed or described as members of the royal family on the official website.[8]
Boldface indicates living individuals listed as members of the royal family in Lord Chamberlain\'s Diamond Jubilee Guidelines in 2012,[9]
Italics indicate individuals born or married into the family after the Diamond Jubilee.
Dashed lines indicate married couples, dotted lines divorced couples.[6]
Dagger (†) indicates deceased individuals.Titles and surnames
Marriage certificate of Elizabeth Windsor and Philip Mountbatten, signed by members of the royal familyThe monarch\'s children and grandchildren (if they are children of the monarch\'s sons), and the children of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales are automatically entitled to be known as prince or princess with the style His or Her Royal Highness (HRH).[10] Peerages, often dukedoms, are bestowed upon most princes prior to marriage.[11][12] Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, children of the King\'s sister, Princess Anne, are therefore not prince and princess. Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James Mountbatten-Windsor, Earl of Wessex, though entitled to the dignity, are not called prince and princess as their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, wanted them to have more modest titles.[10] The King reportedly wants to reduce the number of titled members of the royal family.[13]By tradition, wives of male members of the royal family share their husbands\' title and style.[14] Princesses by marriage do not have the title prefixed to their own name[10] but to their husband\'s; for example, the wife of Prince Michael of Kent is Princess Michael of Kent.[14] Sons of monarchs are customarily given dukedoms upon marriage, and these peerage titles pass to their eldest sons.[14]Male-line descendants of King George V, including women until they marry, bear the surname Windsor. The surname of the male-line descendants of Queen Elizabeth II, except for women who marry, is Mountbatten-Windsor, reflecting the name taken by her Greek-born husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, upon his naturalisation. A surname is generally not needed by members of the royal family who are entitled to the titles of prince or princess and the style His or Her Royal Highness. Such individuals use surnames on official documents such as marriage registers.[15]
Public role
The Princess Royal meeting members of the public during a walkabout in Paisley, RenfrewshireMembers of the royal family support the monarch in \"state and national duties\", while also carrying out charity work of their own.[16][17] If the sovereign is indisposed, two counsellors of state are required to fulfil his/her role, with those eligible being restricted to the sovereign\'s spouse, and the first four people in the line of succession over the age of 21. In 2022 the Earl of Wessex and the Princess Royal were added to the list by special legislation.[18]Each year the family \"carries out over 2,000 official engagements throughout the UK and worldwide\", entertaining 70,000 guests and answering 100,000 letters.[16][19] Engagements include state funerals, national festivities, garden parties, receptions, and visits to the Armed Forces.[16] Many members have served in the Armed Forces themselves, including the King\'s brothers and sons.[20][19] Engagements are recorded in the Court Circular, a list of daily appointments and events attended by the royal family.[21] Public appearances are often accompanied by walkabouts, where royals greet and converse with members of the public outside events.[22] The start of this tradition is sometimes attributed to a trip Queen Elizabeth II made in 1970 to Australia and New Zealand.[23] Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother also interacted with crowds on a trip to Canada in 1939 and in 1940 during The Blitz in London.[24][25]Annual events attended by the royal family include the State Opening of Parliament, Trooping the Colour, and the National Service of Remembrance.[17] According to historian Robert Lacey, Queen Elizabeth II once said that investitures of the honours recipients are the most important thing she does.[26] Besides the King, Prince William and Princess Anne also perform investitures.[27][17] Family members represent the monarch on official visits and tours to other countries as ambassadors to foster diplomatic relations.[20][19][28] They have also attended Commonwealth meetings on the monarch\'s behalf.[17] The royal family also participates in state visits on the advice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which includes the welcoming of dignitaries and a formal banquet.[29] Journalist James Forsyth has referred to the family as \"soft power assets\".[30]
Prince William with the then-Dean of Westminster. Members of the royal family are members of the Church of England.Given the royal family\'s public role and activities, it is sometimes referred to by courtiers as \"The Firm\", a term that originated with George VI.[31][32] Members of the royal family are politically and commercially independent, avoiding conflict of interest with their public roles.[33] The royal family are considered British cultural icons, with young adults from abroad naming the family among a group of people who they most associated with British culture.[34] Members are expected to promote British industry.[35] Royals are typically members of the Church of England, headed by the monarch. When in Scotland they attend the Church of Scotland as members and some have served as Lord High Commissioner to the Church of Scotland.[36][37]Members of the royal family are patrons for approximately 3,000 charities,[19] and have also started their own nonprofit organisations.[20] The King started The Prince\'s Trust, which helps young people in the UK that are disadvantaged.[38] Princess Anne started The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, which helps unpaid carers, giving them emotional support and information about benefit claims and disability aids.[39] The Earl and Countess of Wessex (as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were then known) founded the Wessex Youth Trust, since renamed The Earl and Countess of Wessex Charitable Trust, in 1999.[40] The Prince and Princess of Wales are founding patrons of The Royal Foundation, whose projects revolve around mental health, conservation, early childhood, and emergency responders.[41]In 2019 following the negative reactions to the \"Prince Andrew & the Epstein Scandal\" interview, the Duke of York was forced to resign from public roles; the retirement became permanent in 2020.[42] The Duke and Duchess of Sussex permanently withdrew from royal duties in early 2020.[43] Following these departures, there is a shortage of royal family members to cover the increasing number of patronages and engagements.[4]
Media and criticism
Further information: Royal Rota and Never complain, never explainRoyal biographer Penny Junor says that the royal family has presented itself \"as the model family\" since the 1930s.[4] Author Edward Owen wrote that during the Second World War, the monarchy sought an image of a \"more informal and vulnerable family\" that had a unifying effect on the nation during instability.[44] In 1992, the Princess Royal and her husband Mark Phillips divorced; the Prince and Princess of Wales separated; a biography detailing the Princess\'s bulimia and self-harming was published; her private telephone conversations surfaced, as did the Prince\'s intimate telephone conversations with his lover, Camilla Parker Bowles; the Duke and Duchess of York separated; and photographs of the topless Duchess having her toes sucked by another man appeared in tabloids. Historian Robert Lacey said that this \"put paid to any claim to being a model of family life\". The scandals contributed to the public\'s unwillingness to pay for the repairs to Windsor Castle after the 1992 fire. A further \"PR disaster\" was the royal family\'s initial response to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997.[26]In the 1990s, the royal family formed the Way Ahead Group, made up of senior family members and advisers and headed by Elizabeth II, in a quest to change in accordance with public opinion.[26][45] The wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in April 2011 led to a \"tide of goodwill\", and by Elizabeth II\'s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 the royal family\'s image had recovered.[26] A 2019 YouGov poll showed that two-thirds of British people were in favour of maintaining the royal family.[46] The role and public relations of the extended royal family again came under increased scrutiny due to the Duke of York\'s friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual abuse, along with his unapologetic conduct in the 2019 interview about these subjects and subsequent 2021 lawsuit.[47][48][49] In June 2019, the royal family, several members of which advocate for environmental causes, faced criticism after it was revealed that they \"had doubled [their] carbon footprint from business travel\".[50]In a 2021 interview, the Duchess of Sussex, who is of biracial heritage, relayed second-hand that there had been \"concerns and conversations\" within the royal family about the skin colour of their son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, while the Duke of Sussex stated it was a single instance.[51] The interview received a mixed reaction from the British public and media, and several of their claims were called into question.[52][53] The Duke of Cambridge said the royal family were \"very much not a racist family\". In June 2021, documents revealed that \"coloured immigrants or foreigners\" were banned by Elizabeth II\'s chief financial manager at the time from working for the family as clerks in the 1960s, prompting black studies professor Kehinde Andrews to state that \"the royal family has a terrible record on race\".[51] In response, the palace stated that it complied \"in principle and in practice\" with anti-discrimination legislation, and that second-hand claims of \"conversations from over 50 years ago should not be used to draw or infer conclusions about modern-day events or operations.\"[54] In March 2022 and during the Caribbean tour of the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as part of the Queen\'s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the family encountered criticism from a number of political figures and the press, given their past connections to colonialism and the Atlantic slave trade via the Royal African Company.[55][56] Reparations for slavery emerged as a major demand of protesters during the couple\'s visit.[57] Both the then Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge have condemned slavery in their speeches,[58][59] and the Prince has described acknowledging the wrongs of the past as a necessity for the Commonwealth countries to realise their potential.[60]Historically, the royal family and the media have benefited from each other; the family used the press to communicate with the public, while the media used the family to attract readers and viewers.[61] With the advent of television, however, the media started paying less respect to the royal family\'s privacy.[26] Princes William and Harry have had informal arrangements with the press whereby they would be left alone by the paparazzi during their education in return for invitations to staged photograph opportunities. William has continued the practice with his family posts on Instagram. Relations between the media and British royals have been destabilized by the rise of the digital media, with the quantity of articles becoming paramount toward gaining advertising revenue, with neither side able to exercise control.[61] In the 2000s, the phones of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, and Prince Harry and his then-girlfriend Chelsy Davy, were hacked multiple times by media outlets, most notably by a private investigator working for a News of the World journalist.[62][63] A 2021 BBC documentary suggested that briefings and counter-briefings from different royal households was the reason behind the negative coverage about members of the royal family. Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Kensington Palace, which represented the Queen, the then Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge respectively, described these suggestions as \"overblown and unfounded claims\".[64]
Funding
Further information: Finances of the British royal family
The then-Duchess of Cambridge, escorted by security officers, meets with Sir Michael DixonSenior members of the royal family, who represent the monarch, draw their income from public funds known as the sovereign grant.[65] The sovereign grant is an annual payment of the British government to the monarch. It comes from the revenues of the Crown Estate, which are commercial properties owned by the Crown. It is common belief amongst the British public that funding for the royal family comes from taxpayers\' money, but this is not the case. The revenue of the crown estate actually far exceeds the amount provided in the sovereign grant.[66][67] Members of the royal family who receive money from the sovereign grant must be accountable to the public for it and are not allowed to make money from their name.[65] The monarch also receives the income of the Duchy of Lancaster, and the Prince of Wales from the Duchy of Cornwall.The security expenses for the royal family are typically covered by the Metropolitan Police rather than the sovereign grant.[68] The royal family, the Home Office, and the Metropolitan Police decide which members have a right to taxpayer-funded police security. Extended members do not retain automatic right to protection; in 2011, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie ceased receiving police information: List of British royal residences
A 2011 state banquet at Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarchThe sovereign\'s official residence in London is Buckingham Palace.[67] Announcements of the births and deaths of members of the royal family are traditionally attached to its front railings.[70] Both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, the monarch\'s weekend home in Berkshire, are used to host state visits.[71][72] The Palace of Holyroodhouse and Hillsborough Castle serve as official royal residences when the monarch is in Scotland or Northern Ireland, respectively.[73][74]Clarence House served as the official residence of Charles III from 2003, when he was Prince of Wales, until he ascended to the throne on 8 September 2022.[67] Another London residence of his when Prince of Wales was St James\'s Palace, which he shared with the Princess Royal and Princess Alexandra.[75] Princess Alexandra also resides at Thatched House Lodge in Richmond.[76] The King also privately owns Sandringham House in Norfolk and Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, which are his personal property. He inherited them from Elizabeth II upon her death.The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester have their official London residences and offices at apartments in Kensington Palace, London.[77][78] The former and their children officially moved into Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park in September 2022.[79] The Duke and Duchess of Kent reside in Wren House in the grounds of Kensington Palace.[80] The Duke and Duchess of Sussex\'s official residence in the United Kingdom is Frogmore Cottage, near Windsor. [81][82] The Duke of York lives at the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, while the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh reside at Bagshot Park in Surrey.[83][84]
See also Education of the British royal family
List of honours of the British royal family by country
List of longest-living members of the British royal family
Military service by British royalty
Republicanism in the United Kingdom
Royal descent
Monarchy of Antigua and Barbuda
Monarchy of Australia
Monarchy of the Bahamas
Monarchy of Belize
Monarchy of Canada
Monarchy of Grenada
Monarchy of Jamaica
Monarchy of New Zealand
Monarchy of Papua New Guinea
Monarchy of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Monarchy of Saint Lucia
Monarchy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Monarchy of Solomon Islands
Monarchy of Tuvalu
Monarchy of the United KingdomReferences
Exclusive
42 The Australian Women’s Weekly | APRIL 2020 APRIL 2020 | The Australian Women’s Weekly 43
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER BREW-BEVAN.
After a tough six months Sarah, Duchess of York talks to
Juliet Rieden about courage, loneliness, her
compassionate daughters and the childhood dreaming
that inspired her magical new children’s books.
Sarah,
Duchess
of York
friend”
can beyour
“AdversityPICTURE CREDITS TO GO HERE PLEASE
44 The Australian Women’s Weekly | APRIL 2020 APRIL 2020 | The Australian Women’s Weekly 45
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER BREW-BEVAN.
OPPOSITE PAGE: ALAMY. GETTY IMAGES.
Exclusive
Sarah, Duchess of York
confesses that as a child
growing up in rural England
she was “a dreamer” with
“an incredibly active
imagination”. When the going got
tough – which it did when her mother,
Susan, left the marital home for
Argentina to live with her polo player
lover, Héctor Barrantes – Sarah, age
12, would escape into the surrounding
countryside and conjure fantastical
worlds in her head.
“From a young age I figured out
that the only way I was going to
survive was to retreat into other
places and stories,” she explains.
“I loved nature – especially oak trees
and flowers and ponies. I’m so lucky
that I was able to go into a world of
make believe. The extraordinary sense
of loss and loneliness that I felt when
my mother left, which I can never
really describe properly to anyone,
was so petrifying that I made up my
own world to compensate, and that’s
how I got through it.”
Looking back, it was a pretty
shocking day in the Ferguson
household, and one that still haunts
Sarah. Her mum literally turned her
back on her family and walked out of
the front door, leaving her two girls to
cope with the fallout and soothe their
devastated father, Major Ronald
Ferguson. But while pivotal and
painful, the one positive to come out
of those dark times was the private
world of creativity that was sparked
in young Sarah.
“My father told me I was
always reading and loved making
up stories,” she recalls. And it is
with this self-made and rather
charming universe in mind that as
an adult Sarah turned to writing
children’s books, with notable
success. “Because I have such a
sense of childlike joy, it comes
easily to me to write and be
descriptive. I only wish I could
illustrate,” she quips.
Today, the Duchess has some
25 or more children’s books to
her name including the Little Red
and Budgie the Little Helicopter
series which were both bestsellers,
and now she has signed a seven-book
deal with Australian publisher
Serenity Press comprising five picture
books and two young chapter books.
And more than ever before I feel this
new portfolio of work is a direct
reflection of those early memories.
“I remember making little
imaginary tea cups from rhododendron leaves. The books allow me
to express the imagination that I have
had since I was a little girl when I used
to play for hours outside, appreciating
birds, animals, flowers and trees,” she
says. “I feel very fortunate to be able
to share the magic of my childhood
and my journey to 60 years, as I am
now. I also have learned so much from
the children I have met over the years.
They have taught me courage,
forgiveness, love, gentleness and
kindness, and I try to share all of this
through my children’s books.”
After her mother’s departure and
four years later when her sister, Jane,
also left for love to move to Australia
and get married, Sarah became very
close to her father. “I was brought up
on a farm in Hampshire with oak
trees surrounding me. I have a
fascination with the oak tree, which
seems so reliable, and
I always feel safe near
them,” she says. The
Enchanted Oak Tree
is one of Sarah’s new
tales. The tree is the
beating heart of
a secret garden, where
“frolicking fairies” go about urgent
missions. On its front cover is an
illustration of the wise oak, a face
staring from its trunk. “The eyebrows on
my oak tree are a tribute to my late
father’s very bushy eyebrows. I wanted
to honour the fabulous childhood he
gave me playing amongst the oak trees
at Dummer,” she says.
Dummer is the picturesque family
farm in England’s green and pleasant
south, and while her childhood was
undoubtedly interrupted by her
parents’ separation, she did experience
halcyon moments with animals to
play with and fields to run in. It’s no
surprise then that there’s an oldfashioned wonder to Sarah’s stories,
which she writes in longhand using a
Montegrappa fountain pen that she
proudly declares, “I designed myself”.
“They’re calling this generation the
‘phigitals’ because they draw no
distinction between the physical and
the digital world. I’m no Luddite and
I realise that children are going to
spend much of their time online as
adults in the workplace, but I hope
that my books encourage children to
appreciate the beauty and physicality
of a real publication,” she says.
Sarah’s mistakes while she was
married to Prince Andrew are well
documented, but she has faced them
all with a mea culpa humility. In many
ways they have proved to be life
lessons on a path of discovery she’s
still treading. “Once you gather the
courage to make a first tentative step
toward your goal, the next ones come
easier. If you have a knock, pick
yourself up and dust yourself down.
Learn to survive your critics, and have
belief, trust and conviction,” she says.
In the past six months the York
family has faced intense scrutiny when
Prince Andrew chose to step away
from his royal work in the wake of
revelations about his friendship with
convicted paedophile, US financier
Jeffrey Epstein, who committed
suicide in prison in August awaiting
trial. The Duke of York’s heavily
criticised UK TV interview in which
the Queen’s second son attempted to
defend himself against his accusers,
has crucified the royal’s reputation,
but through it all Sarah firmly
supported her ex-husband, with
whom she has remained best friends.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie
have also stood by their father as the
family has pulled together as they
always do in tough times. While their
royal lineage has afforded the York
sisters incredible privilege, managing
their place in the spotlight has not
been easy, especially since both have
full-time jobs. I wonder what advice
Sarah has offered?
“I’ve always encouraged my
children to look at life differently, to
see the positive side of a problem and
understand there is always a way
ahead,” she explains. “They are in a
privileged position but the flipside is
the media will always be part of their
life and that can involve negativity.
I’ve told them: ‘Use your position
wisely’. We’re a close family unit – we
talk and listen. If you’re out in public,
I tell my girls to always smile and always
be grateful and kind, never forgetting
how fortunate they are. Also remember
that 50 per cent of a room are going
to like you, but 50 per cent may not.”
Sarah is very close to her daughters
and says she “couldn’t ask for two ➝
Clockwise from
left: The
Duchess and
Princesses
Beatrice and
Eugenie in 1993;
the Yorks have
enjoyed a close
relationship,
despite divorce;
Sarah and her
daughters in 2017.
When Sarah and I last spoke, at the
end of 2016, she was already in the
process of creating the character of
Genie, who is the girl-power star in
her new Genie Gems series, with her
daughter Princess Eugenie as the
inspiration for the character.
“Genie is always coming to the
rescue, she’s superbly kind and she’s
very organised, which is very like my
daughter,” says Sarah. “I called it
Genie Gems as she leaves magical
colourful stones as messages of hope,
love and harmony. My daughter
Eugenie is strong and determined,
always looking for the truth in all she
does. Her work for the Anti-Slavery
Collective is a commitment she
steadfastly campaigns for, to give
everyone the chance to have a voice,
just like Genie … My next book will
be called Trixie-belle – for Beatrice.”
Loneliness, difference and lack
of confidence are all tackled in the
stories. They are issues that have
played out in the Duchess’s own
life, and that she’s determined to
use to help others through difficult
times. “Everyone will face challenges
in their lifetime and what I have
learnt is adversity can be your friend,”
she says.46 The Australian Women’s Weekly | APRIL 2020
PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED AND USED WITH PERMISSION.
Exclusive
better children.” When
Eugenie was married in a
starry wedding at Windsor in
October 2018, it was “one of
my happiest moments,” she
says. “I’ve never been more
proud than I was watching my
daughter showing her scoliosis
scar to the world and walking
tall down that aisle. I really
felt as if I was gaining a son in Jack
[Brooksbank] and I feel the same
about Edo [Princess Beatrice’s fiancé].”
Princess Beatrice’s upcoming
wedding to property developer
Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi at St James’s
Chapel Royal will be a much smaller
affair. But Prince Andrew will still
walk his daughter down the aisle and
senior royals including Her Majesty
will all attend. “The whole family is
immensely excited about Beatrice and
Edo’s wedding in May. It’s going to be
a smaller scale and more private affair
than Eugenie and Jack’s, because
that’s what they want,” says Sarah.
For Beatrice, whose 10-year
relationship with Dave Clark
foundered in 2016, it will be the start
of a new adventure. “Beatrice is the
happiest I have ever seen her and she
and Edo have a great love for each
other and passion for life,” says Sarah.
“You move into a new phase of
your life when your children start
getting married. But so far, it’s a good
one. Rather than feeling as if I have
lost anything, I feel like our family has
grown for having Jack and Edo in it.”
There’s a vulnerability to Sarah,
Duchess of York that I sense
underpins her approach to life. While
she is certainly steely when she needs
to be, I think the brutality of today’s
social media world wounds her
personally and worries her when she
looks at her daughters and any
children they may have. “I consider
that social media has become a sewer,
where people say things they wouldn’t
have dreamed of saying to each other
face-to-face when I was growing up.
I feel very strongly about the
importance of good manners and
respect and about the impact of social
media in the modern world. Women
are pitted against other women,
trolling online is vicious and hurtful.
We have to stand against it,” she says.
“Let’s all try to treat each other a
little more gently and be kinder. Let’s
all try to think before we post. Before
starting an argument online, take a
deep breath and try to respect
someone else’s position. Where we see
others behaving unacceptably, let’s call
it out. It’s an old motto, but a good
one: if you can’t say anything nice,
don’t say anything at all.
“I want my grandchildren to grow
up in a world where people are
respectful of other people’s views,
even if they don’t agree with them.
I always cite the three Cs –
communicate, compassion and
compromise. I want children to
experience joy and to feel okay about
whatever they are doing rather than
being attacked all the time online.”
As she contemplates grandchildren
I ask Sarah about her daughters’
relationships with their grandparents.
“The girls remember Grandpa being a
beautiful horseman who used to let
them brush his eyebrows with their
Barbie brushes,” she says smiling.
“Mum was a joyful, Irish spirit who
also loved her horses. Her Majesty the
Queen has also made clear her love of
the natural world and is still riding at
93, while the Duke of Edinburgh loves
driving his horses. All of their
grandparents have led my girls by
example into the embrace of nature.”
Sarah will undoubtedly be a doting
granny. “If I am lucky enough to be
blessed with grandchildren, it will be
the most wonderful sense of joy for
me and of course I will be making up
stories every day for them,” she sighs.
While at heart Sarah is still that child
filling her head with make- believe, she
has also gathered wisdom. “Sixty years
of learning has definitely given me
more empathy and compassion,” she
says. “I founded Children in Crisis
25 years ago to help those vulnerable
and forgotten children in some of the
world’s most dangerous places. I’m
immensely proud that through its
work we have educated 1.4 million
children. I’m fighting for a world
where it is just unacceptable for a
child not to be in education.
“As I look back at my life, my
overwhelming sense, despite all the
ups and downs, is of how fortunate
I have been and how excited I am for
the next chapter. I am thankful for the
love and support of my family, which
has given me so much happiness and
strength. I have more energy now
than I did at 40.” AWW
The Enchanted Oak Tree and Genie
Gems by Sarah, Duchess of York,
Serenity Press, are on sale from April
at
Above: The
Duchess in Sierra
Leone with young
students who
have benefited
from her charity
work. Left: The
cover inspired by
Major Ronald.
“I have more
energy now – at
60 – than I did
at 40.”
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SARAH FERGIE FERGUSON DUCHESS OF YORK Signed Autographed 8.5x11.75 Photo $161.28
SARAH FERGIE FERGUSON DUCHESS OF YORK Signed Autographed 8.5x11.75 Photo $161.28
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SARAH FERGIE FERGUSON DUCHESS OF YORK Signed 8x10 Mounted Photo w/ Hologram COA $145.15
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