An upcoming, explosive royal book has detailed claims as to why Sarah Ferguson has kept close ties with the Royal Family despite her divorce from Prince Andrew in 1996. ‘Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York’ by Andrew Lownie draws on four years of research and “traces the lives of the late Queen’s second son and his ex-wife through their childhoods, courtship, marriage, divorce, careers and royal and charitable activities”.
The author writes that after the death of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, in 2002, Fergie moved into the Royal Lodge to reside with Andrew, where the couple still both live today. The author states: “That same year, Sarah was invited to Balmoral – for the first time since her divorce – to join the Royal Family on their Scottish holiday, partly so she could join in celebrations for Beatrice’s 17th birthday and partly to keep her onside.”
In a shocking claim, it is believed “this was a long-term strategy because Fergie possessed many secrets which would not benefit the House of Windsor by their retelling.”
In a serialisation of the book, published in the Daily Mail, the author further writes: “It was this power that had allowed her to remain firmly within the embrace of the Royal Family. They found themselves between a rock and a hard place, which the duchess knew. As one source suggested: ‘It is better to keep Sarah close than let her loose to do even more damage. And at the end of the day, she is still Bea and Eugenie’s mother, they can’t just abandon her.'”
An extract from the book also claims how a former courtier explained that what was between the pair was not romance but “more the deepest form of friendship, a very unusual relationship for a divorced couple, especially to the outside world, but they’re utterly devoted and would defend each other to the death”.
It is widely reported Prince Andrew’s naval career meant long periods away from home, reportedly leading to strain in the marriage. In 1992, the couple announced their separation after six years of marriage, and the couple officially divorced in 1996.
Both Andrew and Sarah remained close friends after their divorce and co-parents to their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. They often spent holidays and family events together, leading to speculation over the years about potential reconciliation.
Even after their divorce, Ferguson has lived at Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew’s residence, for many years, and they continue to present a united front at occasional family events.
Sarah Ferguson has also been seen supporting Prince Andrew after his fall from grace after a disastrous Newsnight interview in 2019 about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, the late American financier and convicted sex offender. Following the interview, the duke was stripped of his royal and military titles in 2021.
In another major claim, a source quoted in Lownie’s biography, as stated in the Daily Mail, claims the Prince of Wales is keen to “evict” the duke and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
Referring to a source, the author writes: “William has long worked behind the scenes to evict his uncle from Royal Lodge, the home he occupies in Windsor Great Park. He thinks Andrew is abusing the property and his privilege there.”
‘Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York’ is set to be published on August 14.