Royal Author Shares Personal Insights on Sarah Ferguson's Evolution
An exclusive interview with royal author Ingrid Seward has shed new light on the complex personality of Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. Seward, who first met Ferguson before her 1986 wedding to Prince Andrew, describes the royal as possessing a "massively endearing type of personality" while simultaneously grappling with deep-seated insecurities that have shaped her life and relationships.
Early Encounters and Thoughtful Gestures
"I would describe her as incredibly warm and friendly," Seward told the Mirror, recalling their initial meetings. "Shortly after I first met her, we attended the Guards Polo Club cocktail party, which used to be held at the Barton Hotel once a year. Prince Charles, as he was then, always used to attend."
Seward remembers Ferguson's thoughtful nature during these early interactions. "She took me over to meet her father and said, 'Dad will introduce you to Prince Charles,' which he did. So she was very thoughtful too. I always saw her in a crowd of people, and she always displayed a very endearing personality and was very, very social. I suppose she still is."
The Turning Point in Their Relationship
The royal author revealed that their friendship eventually soured. "I did quite a lot with her early in her marriage, but then I did something to upset her... and she can blank you after that." This statement highlights what Seward perceives as a significant aspect of Ferguson's character—her capacity to completely cut off people who disappoint her, a trait that speaks volumes about her approach to personal relationships.
Analyzing Ferguson's Personality Development
Seward suggests that Ferguson's personality has evolved considerably over the decades, with some traits potentially linked to childhood experiences. "She's not really the girl I knew, but that girl is still there underneath," Seward observed. "She's still very charming and I think she brought up her children in the way that she was brought up—to have wonderful manners and be polite to everyone, remembering everyone's name, ideal."
The author points specifically to Ferguson's teenage years when her mother, Susan Barrantes, left the family home to move to Argentina. "I think because her mother left, there is a sort of basic something missing there, I don't quite know how to describe it. There is something missing in her personality. She's so insecure, which is probably at the root of many of her behaviors."
Recent Challenges and Current Whereabouts
Ferguson has faced numerous public relations crises throughout her life, most recently with revelations about her relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The documents included details about planned meetings and requests for financial advice regarding her substantial debts.
Her current location remains unknown as she has maintained a low profile since the release of Epstein-related documents last year. Seward speculates that Ferguson is likely relying on a network of "rich and powerful" friends for support, or may have retreated to her childhood home in Dummer village, Hampshire.
Legacy of Maternal Influence
Despite the complicated relationship with her mother, Ferguson has publicly honored Susan Barrantes' memory. In a Facebook post marking the 26th anniversary of her mother's death in September 2024, Ferguson described her as "much-loved" and "far too young to be taken from us."
"I think constantly of her zest for life and her shining spirit," Ferguson wrote. "Like all of us, she made mistakes but she taught me to value each and every day and to always seek to treat people with kindness. I miss her greatly."
Seward's insights provide a nuanced portrait of a royal figure who has navigated public scrutiny, personal challenges, and evolving relationships while maintaining certain core characteristics despite the passage of time and changing circumstances.
