Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, has been accused of using her daughter Beatrice's credit card and demanding a fresh cream cake every day, according to an explosive update to a biography by Andrew Lownie. The new paperback edition of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York features allegations from a former personal assistant that paint a damning portrait of 'Freebie Fergie's' love of excess.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct
The assistant claims that staff were often left 'constantly embarrassed' by the Duchess's behaviour, with bills skyrocketing due to her luxury demands. According to the book, Sarah rarely paid for anything herself, instead relying on others to foot the bill. 'The assistant and other staff members had problems getting paid and often had to buy things using their own credit cards. Sarah herself drew on Beatrice's credit card constantly and paid one psychic in cigarettes,' the book alleges.
Bizarre Household Demands
The lifestyle inside the York household was reportedly astronomically expensive and dictated by bizarre demands. This included Fergie insisting upon a cream cake being baked for her every day, regardless of whether she had eaten the previous one. One assistant claimed Sarah would buy huge numbers of her own books to inflate her position on the bestseller list, before handing them out as gifts.
Impact on Daughters and Staff
Staff were reportedly sworn to secrecy with strict Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). The PA claims that Beatrice and Eugenie were 'very much under the control of their mother but embarrassed by her behaviour.' Meanwhile, employees allegedly 'walked on eggshells' around Prince Andrew because they were afraid of him, but didn't see him much.
Insecurities and Royal Tensions
The book also exposes Fergie's deep insecurities concerning the Royal Family. She allegedly spoke relentlessly about Princess Diana and her agonising fears that she had ruined their friendship. While she frequently claimed to love the late Queen Elizabeth II, the book alleges Her Majesty 'trashed' Fergie behind her back. Conversely, Fergie was openly negative about Prince Edward and Prince Philip, who she reportedly disliked.
Business Opportunities and Epstein Connection
Biographer Andrew Lownie alleges that this toxic culture has rubbed off on Beatrice and Eugenie, claiming that 'every social engagement is a business making opportunity.' The book also features eyewitness testimony from a named source claiming Sarah stayed in an apartment belonging to Jeffrey Epstein, years after she had publicly disowned him. 'The revealing thing is the doorman used to get into their uniform when Fergie was there,' Lownie claimed. 'And always escort her from lift to the door. But there she is, she's very publicly distanced herself from him in 2011 and there she is years later still being freebie Fergie. She had plenty of other places to stay too. It's almost as if she wanted to be close to him.'
