Royal Biography Unveils Queen Elizabeth's 'Sweet Concern' for Sarah Ferguson
A new royal biography has brought to light an intimate detail about the late Queen Elizabeth II's feelings towards her former daughter-in-law, Sarah Ferguson. According to author Robert Hardman's 2026 work, Elizabeth II: In Private, In Public: The Inside Story, the monarch harbored a persistent worry about the financial welfare of Ferguson and her son, Prince Andrew, even after their divorce in 1996.
Insight from a Former Cabinet Minister
Hardman, who is noted by Waterstones as the only biographer to have interviewed all senior members of the Royal Family, relays a quote from an unnamed former Cabinet minister. This source detailed how the Queen was "strangely fond" of Ferguson and expressed a "rather sweet" concern for her and Andrew's financial situation.
The minister recalled the Queen saying, "Oh, I just worry that they don't have any money." This comment highlights Elizabeth's touchingly personal concern, which persisted as Ferguson continued to live intermittently with the Duke of York post-divorce.
Ferguson's History of Financial Headlines
Sarah Ferguson's finances have long been a subject of public scrutiny, often making headlines for lavish spending. Known for her taste for luxury, Ferguson has been associated with:
- Skiing holidays and pony ownership.
- A reported splurge of £25,000 in just one hour at Bloomingdale's.
- Renting a villa in the south of France for £20,000 in 1994.
- Developing a preference for expensive rosé, such as Whispering Angel.
Journalist Hilary Rose wrote in The Times about Ferguson's musings on purchasing a £1.7 million property, even while facing an unpaid electricity bill back home. This juxtaposition of high spending and financial struggles underscores the Queen's expressed worries.
Ongoing Scrutiny and Fallout
Ferguson's financial narrative is further complicated by her alleged links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which have led to significant repercussions:
- She has been stripped of her Duchess of York and honorary Freedom of the City of York titles.
- Numerous charities have severed ties with her.
- She has largely disappeared from the public spotlight, with rumors suggesting stays in Los Angeles, visits to Swiss clinics, or time at Andrew's Sandringham home.
As reported by Victoria Ward, deputy royal editor at The Telegraph, these developments add layers to the Queen's earlier concerns, painting a complex picture of Ferguson's life post-divorce and amid ongoing scandals.
This revelation from Hardman's biography offers a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics within the Royal Family, emphasizing Elizabeth's enduring care for those close to her, even in the face of public controversies and financial uncertainties.
