Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has spent more than 40 years navigating public attention, often finding herself at the center of controversy.
Her latest scandal has reignited debate after an email from 2011 surfaced, revealing that Ferguson—or Fergie, as she is often called—referred to the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein as a “supreme friend.”
The email, which also contained a private apology for her previous public rejection of Epstein, has prompted seven charities to drop her as a patron, with others reportedly reviewing their connections to the duchess.
A History of Financial Turmoil
This controversy is just the latest headline to follow Ferguson, who has long struggled with public scrutiny.
One notable challenge was her well-documented history of excessive spending.
During her marriage to Prince Andrew, Fergie reportedly racked up debts of more than £3.7 million by 1994, frequently running up enormous bills at stores like Harrods without paying.
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie, in his book The Rise and Fall of the House of York, delves into Ferguson’s finances, relationships, and connections to Epstein, painting a portrait of a woman constantly balancing public attention with private pressures.
Clever Moves to Clear Debts
Ferguson managed to tackle her financial troubles through a combination of media ventures and endorsements.
In January 1997, she appeared in a television advertisement for Ocean Spray cranberry juice, reportedly earning £50,000 after over 100 takes for two short segments.
The following month, she attended the opening of a shopping precinct in Vienna, hosted by Austrian magnate Richard Lugner, for a fee of £100,000.
Alongside these ventures, she capitalized on book advances, Weight Watchers income, and magazine interviews to gradually settle her debts, including a £1.6 million tax bill.
From Memoirs to Media Appearances
By April 1997, Ferguson had begun writing a syndicated column for the New York Times, reaching 75 newspapers across the U.S. and earning £5,000 per article.
OK! Magazine also paid her £200,000 for an interview in which she emphasized her desire to step out from the shadow of her royal title and “develop Sarah’s potential.”
A ten-day American lecture tour the following month added another £200,000 to her coffers.
Her social calendar included high-profile meetings, such as a trip to meet golfer Tiger Woods and appearances alongside celebrities, cementing her presence both in media and elite social circles.
Famous Friendships and Romantic Interests
Ferguson’s personal life has often been fodder for the press.
She reportedly pursued celebrities like Kevin Costner and expressed a fascination with George Clooney.
By contrast, her connection with Tiger Woods developed into a lasting friendship.
Fergie was pictured with a beaming smile alongside Woods after his 1997 Byron Nelson Tournament victory and continued to publicly support his career, including congratulating him on his 2019 Masters comeback.
On Instagram, she praised Woods’ loyalty and friendship, highlighting a bond that has endured decades despite her sometimes turbulent public life.
A Life of Controversy and Resilience
From financial turmoil to headline-grabbing emails, Sarah Ferguson’s life has been anything but quiet.
Yet through the ups and downs, she has managed to maintain influential friendships and carve out a public persona that continues to fascinate the world.
Her recent controversies are a stark reminder of how every move, past and present, remains under the public microscope for royalty and former royals alike.