Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, was described as "lonely and deeply unhappy" in the early years of her marriage to Prince Andrew, according to a veteran broadcaster who interviewed her privately.
Private Confessions Off-Camera
Dame Jenni Murray interviewed Sarah Ferguson in 1989, just three years after her wedding to the Duke of York. The meeting took place in a flat at Buckingham Palace. Murray initially mistook the Duchess for a maid due to her informal attire of a pinny and mob cap.
Writing in Saga Magazine, Murray recalled that it quickly became apparent she was speaking to a profoundly isolated woman. Sarah Ferguson made no secret of her concerns about her husband, but only in private conversation, ensuring these remarks were not recorded on tape.
A Marriage Marked by Distance
At the time, Prince Andrew's Royal Navy duties frequently took him away from home, leaving Sarah alone with their young daughter, Princess Beatrice. Murray noted that Sarah was never invited to join him on his travels and was often left wondering about his activities and companions.
With such a significant rift in their relationship, the journalist observed it was little surprise the couple formally separated in 1992, after six years of marriage, before their divorce was finalised in 1996.
Aftermath and Controversial Associations
The article also addresses Prince Andrew's later, highly controversial friendship with the convicted sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Murray stated she could only assume Sarah "must have hated" this association.
Prince Andrew has since expressed regret over his judgement in maintaining ties with Epstein, whom he met in the late 1990s. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing or engaging in criminal behaviour, including allegations made by the late Virginia Giuffre.
Earlier this year, Andrew was stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages following the emergence of further details about his communications with Epstein. The fallout also impacted Sarah Ferguson, with several charities cutting ties with her over her alleged past friendship with the financier.
While she publicly disowned Epstein in 2011, leaked emails later suggested she had privately apologised to him weeks afterwards, referring to him in warm, personal terms. Ferguson has not denied sending the email but claims it was sent under pressure and did not reflect her true feelings.
