When we think of royal weddings, the images that usually come to mind are of grandeur, elegance, and public celebration. But behind the pomp of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s 1986 wedding, author Andrew Lownie suggests there was an eyebrow-raising story unfolding right in the front row.
In his meticulously researched book on the Duke of York, Lownie opens with a claim that has caused waves: that Prince Philip and Sarah Ferguson’s mother, Susan Barrantes, were lovers decades before the wedding.
A Provocative Opening
Lownie doesn’t hedge his statement with words like “alleged” or “rumoured.”
Instead, he presents the story as fact: on the wedding day, Prince Philip and Susan Barrantes rode together in the third carriage, waving to the crowds, while their past relationship lingered silently beneath the surface.
According to Lownie, the liaison started after Susan grew frustrated with the philandering of her first husband, Major Ronald Ferguson.
Author Stands Firm Amid Skepticism
Despite the potential for controversy, Lownie has not retracted a word.
On media appearances, including an interview on GB News, he doubled down when former Tory minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg dismissed the claim as “just gossip.”
Lownie clarified that the story came from a highly credible source: his wife, Angela, who grew up near the Fergusons and whose family had deep social ties connecting to both Eton and the Guards.
Memories of School Days and Sporting Rivalries
Lownie’s own experiences provide further context. While attending Fettes College, he played rugby against a young Prince Andrew at Gordonstoun, recalling with a touch of humor, “We all gave him a kicking in the scrum because we all hated him.” These connections underscore the closeness and overlapping social circles that framed the royal and Ferguson families’ interactions.
Ron Ferguson’s Own Suspicions
In his 1994 memoir The Galloping Major, Ronald Ferguson hinted that Philip had long admired his wife, though he stopped short of direct accusation.
The Fergusons were part of a vibrant social scene around Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip during the 1960s, and Philip’s interest in women, particularly the willowy Susan Wright, was widely noted.
Whispered Rumours in Elite Circles
Even decades ago, gossip circulated in well-connected circles.
David Rogers, a former parliamentary adviser and member of the men-only Thursday Club, recounted that Philip’s admiration for Susan Barrantes was widely discussed among club members, including notable figures such as James Robertson Justice, Peter Ustinov, and the Soviet spy Kim Philby.
The stories reflected not just idle chatter but observations from those who moved in Philip’s social orbit.
A Marriage Strained by Infidelity
Susan Barrantes’ marriage to Ronald Ferguson was fraught with tension.
By the early 1960s, his frequent affairs left her feeling exasperated, especially during periods when Ferguson was stationed abroad.
Susan later found love with Argentine polo player Hector Barrantes, ultimately divorcing Ferguson in 1972.
Despite this, she maintained a friendly and enduring relationship with Prince Philip, never accusing him of wrongdoing.
Royal Friendships and Social Intrigue
The Fergusons often dined at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle and attended royal events, making their social proximity to Philip and Elizabeth significant.
Even in casual settings, Philip’s charm and flirtations sparked speculation.
The Queen herself seemed aware of her husband’s preferences, ensuring that Susan was positioned beside him at dances and gatherings, perhaps to keep him engaged and happy.
A Lasting Friendship Amid Rumours
Despite decades of whispered scandals and public speculation, Philip and Susan’s relationship endured.
On Andrew and Fergie’s wedding day, Philip’s attentions remained courteous and protective, with the carriage ride marked by playful gestures and waves to the crowds.
Years later, the bonds between Philip and Susan persisted, exemplified by his attendance at her polo matches in Argentina even during the Queen’s infamous “annus horribilis” of 1992.
Legacy of Curiosity and Intrigue
Whether the whispers were true or simply a reflection of the high-society penchant for scandal, they have become part of the enduring narrative surrounding the royal family.
The story of Philip and Susan Barrantes reminds us that even in the most public of lives, private dramas and complicated relationships often leave their mark on history.