Andrew & Sarah: Marriage, Divorce and Divorce Settlement

[Mirabel]

As NGalitzine says, one problem for Sarah in the couple moving on is definitely the prospect of losing her title. I wouldn't describe it as a "meal ticket" as *I think Sarah's commercial success (books, TV, speaking engagements, etc.) are down to her own talent and hard work, but I do think that being Duchess of York is part of her "brand", and her prestige and earning potential would be lower without it. In a way, she's trapped - obliged to earn how own living, but (at least partially) dependant on her royal past in order to do so. Nevertheless, I'd love to see her find happiness with another man, and if he was wealthy enough to support her, so much the better.

If she hasn't remarried by now, I doubt she will. None of her relationships have led to marriage in the past.
Andrew came close, but he has to be extremely cautious in his choice so it doesn't end badly, and it isn't just anyone who can fit into his lifestyle.

Of course the title is a meal ticket; who would publish her (really derivative) books, or want her as a speaker, if she was just plain Sarah Ferguson?

 

[FergieFan]

I think Sarah's fans who buy her books would continue to support her, title or no title, and as a speaker, she would still have a fascinating and inspiring story to tell. Commercial sponsors would no doubt see her as less valuable, and ironically it could inversely impact her ability to raise money for charity. The reason I object to the term "meal ticket" is that implies a lack of effort on her part, which I don't think is true.

As to her books being derivative, of course that's your opinion, but for me, there is a genuine sense of her character and personality in all of them. Kids books like Budgie and Ballerina Rosie were inspired by events from her own life (her helicopter lessons for the former; her time at ballet-specialised boarding school Hurst Lodge for the latter). And adult books like Finding Sarah and What I Know Now are infused with the very essence of her life, the dark times and the good times, and written in a voice that really sounds like her. All of them have her stamp on them, and for me could not have been written by anyone else.

 

[rmay286]

I too think their love was very true and remain so but sadly I don't think they would ever remarry. I think the royal family would allow Andrew to be happy no matter what but I honestly think public and media opinion would harshly reject a remarriage between Andrew & Sarah. I'm not sure if the royal family, palace aides and York's are up to dealing with that PR nightmare.

I just think they are happy with their deep friendship and family life that they have. I think when they feel like really moving on, it will happen.

Sarah is 53 and Andrew is almost 53. They started dating more than 27 years ago, and even though they separated almost 17 years ago, they're still "living together" in some sense. Does anyone think either of them will really "move on" with someone else at this point? Both of them had opportunities after their divorce, but for whatever reason, they never settled down with anyone else. I think in Sarah's case she couldn't get a man to commit to her who measured up to Andrew. (At the time she probably wouldn't have admitted it; but nowadays she always says, "I married a prince - I married the best.") As for Andrew, I think he was always loyal to Sarah as the mother of his children, even if his romantic feelings for her were gone.

Now that Sarah's income-earning opportunities have dried up, I think she's probably more than happy to stay at Royal Lodge. And...like people have said...I bet Andrew is quite happy to have her around. I saw a Jubilee interview where he said, "She is still one of my bestest friends."

I remember saying this a few years ago and I think it's even more true now...you can (or at least I can) almost "feel" where things are heading with Andrew and Sarah. It would just take one or two "major life events" to make Andrew and Sarah think seriously about whether their living arrangement should become permanent. Princess Beatrice may get married soon...Prince Philip may pass away...the global economy may go back into recession and Sarah may realize her financial opportunities are gone for good. There's a pretty good chance that at least one of these things, maybe two, are going to happen within the next few years. It will be interesting to see if Andrew and Sarah's relationship shifts in the near future...if we start seeing them out in public together more or if they start describing each other differently in interviews.

 

[Mermaid1962]

Perhaps. But those who initially bought her books (and continue to buy them) wouldn't have been aware that they were available unless there was the public profile that having been The Duchess of York gave her. Her "story" is about her marriage to the Queen's second son and their divorce and life since. Things haven't really changed in the past 20 years. Sarah's "story" is a constant reworking and retelling of her attempt to redeem herself though therapy and self-help--which she translates into financial support through documentaries and books. Sarah doesn't fascinate. I see on these boards and other places that a younger generation have become admirers/fans of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. I've seen no evidence that the same has happened for Sarah. Her appeal seems to be limited.

I think Sarah's fans who buy her books would continue to support her, title or no title, and as a speaker, she would still have a fascinating and inspiring story to tell.

 

[Dman]

I really don't know what the future hold for Andrew & Sarah but I do admire the love, friendship and sense of family Andrew & Sarah have. Despite all the things they have gone through and all the nasty remarks that has been thrown at them from the world haven't torn them apart.

I admired the late Princess of Wales and I admire Sarah, Duchess of York. I guess I just realize that everyone makes mistakes in their lives because that's just what humans do. I try not to be the ultimate judge, throw the book at people and hope they go away forever. Diana made her mistakes and so did Sarah but I'm glad Sarah still have her daughters and ex-husband there to support her and give her lots of love. The world can be a very dark and lonely place and I think it's good to know the world may see Sarah has a total mistake but her family don't. That to me is just beautiful.

 

[FergieFan]

I really don't know what the future hold for Andrew & Sarah but I do admire the love, friendship and sense of family Andrew & Sarah have. Despite all the things they have gone through and all the nasty remarks that has been thrown at them from the world haven't torn them apart.

I admired the late Princess of Wales and I admire Sarah, Duchess of York. I guess I just realize that everyone makes mistakes in their lives because that's just what humans do. I try not to be the ultimate judge, throw the book at people and hope they go away forever. Diana made her mistakes and so did Sarah but I'm glad Sarah still have her daughters and ex-husband there to support her and give her lots of love. The world can be a very dark and lonely place and I think it's good to know the world may see Sarah has a total mistake but her family don't. That to me is just beautiful.

I totally agree. They've been through really tough times, especially Sarah. And of course she has made mistakes ("to err is human") but that sense of togetherness and mutual support has always been there, through all the storms of life. After the Fake Sheik "scandal", when the world was calling for Sarah to be abandoned, "sent to Coventry", Andrew stood by her. Similarly, Sarah supported him over the Epstein controversy, and always stood up for him when the press attacked him - for example, this myth that all he does is fly about playing golf - she talked in interviews about hiw hard he worked, and how seriously he took his trade ambassador role.

And as parents... They were always there for their daughters, always TOGETHER for them, for family life at Royal Lodge, for important events at their schools, etc. My own parents split when I was young, and I only wish they had felt able to have the kind of relationship that Sarah and Andrew have had over the years. Beatrice and Eugenie have always been loved and supported, and in turn during Sarah's recent problems, they were in a position to give their mum the love and support that she needed in her time of need. Just a wonderful family in my view!

 

[Mirabel]

I totally agree. They've been through really tough times, especially Sarah.

What tough times has Sarah ever been through, other than the ones she created herself?


Her parents got divorced (a fate which has probably happened to half of the population), but I honestly can't think of anything else.

 

[Mermaid1962]

Agreed. When she became The Duchess of York, people received her warmly. For a time, she was more popular than The Princess of Wales; she was seen as a woman who could be identified with because of her larger figure and because she wasn't titled. Her husband loved her. She knew before she married him that he'd be at sea. That's what naval officers do. She knew she'd be expected to perform public engagements without complaining and that people expect a certain decorum from members of the Royal Family. For the first couple of years of her public life, there weren't any real complaints about her. True, the papers were horrid about her weight problems. But other things that happened were her own fault.

 

[Dman]

Very true, Sarah has made some mistakes over the years.

A great deal of us are pretty lucky because we can make our mistakes and not have the media jump all over us for it but Sarah's situation is different. She made her mistakes but was given an even harder time in the media. They have been very nasty towards her and they make sure they mantain that level of hostility towards her for their amusement and for their readers amusement. That kind of things isn't easy to go through despite you being a public figure and should expect that to happen.

 

[AristoCat]

I bet Andrew is quite happy to have her around. I saw a Jubilee interview where he said, "She is still one of my bestest friends."

I just wonder how much this will realistically last. Sarah reminds me of the friends who never grow out of adolescent party mode and who never really grew up and stopped making messes out of their lives. Andrew might think she's fun, or nice, but she's really continuously immature.

It would just take one or two "major life events" to make Andrew and Sarah think seriously about whether their living arrangement should become permanent.

For the sake of his ability to move on, he needs to ask her to leave and change her life so it's less revolving around him, making him bail her out. He might not realize this, but it's been decades since he was her husband and it's time he stop bailing her out.

When her money was coming in, she seemed indifferent to him (just as she was during the marriage) and she clung to her title, but when times get bad, she runs scurrying back to him (or when he starts dating). She's been nothing but trouble and an albatross.

Princess Beatrice may get married soon...
Prince Philip may pass away...
the global economy may go back into recession and Sarah may realize her financial opportunities are gone for good.

Or interestingly, Andrew might fall in love, wildly in love and want Sarah out.

There's a pretty good chance that at least one of these things, maybe two, are going to happen within the next few years. It will be interesting to see if Andrew and Sarah's relationship shifts in the near future...if we start seeing them out in public together more or if they start describing each other differently in interviews.

 

[Dman]

I'm sure Andrew & Sarah knows that if they really want to move on with their love lives, then they will have to go about that in a responsible way. They are pretty much doing things the way they like at the moment. At least that's the vibe I'm getting from their interviews. They are pretty honset, frank and funny in interviews.

 

[Rocketmom]

I think the arrangement at Royal Lodge (at earlier at Sunninghill) was perfect for family life while the girls were growing up. It was kind of "the best of both worlds" - when Beatrice and Eugenie were at home, they could all be together as a family; when they were at boarding school or uni, Sarah and Andrew didn't have to see much of each other if they didn't want to (it's a big house after all).

I think they have a special relationship, but maybe more of a very close friendship than something romantic these days. I don't think they could ever remarry because of the negative attitudes towards Sarah in the RF, and she surely wouldn't want that pressure again.

Perhaps in the long run, it would be best for them to live separately, so they could both "move on" romantically, especially now that the girls have both finished university and are fully fledged adults. I think perhaps Sarah would want her own place eventually, once she can afford it. Obviously right now, she's still getting back on her feet after her recent debt problems, and Andrew was so kind to support her with a place to live at this time.

As NGalitzine says, one problem for Sarah in the couple moving on is definitely the prospect of losing her title. I wouldn't describe it as a "meal ticket" as *I think Sarah's commercial success (books, TV, speaking engagements, etc.) are down to her own talent and hard work, but I do think that being Duchess of York is part of her "brand", and her prestige and earning potential would be lower without it. In a way, she's trapped - obliged to earn how own living, but (at least partially) dependant on her royal past in order to do so. Nevertheless, I'd love to see her find happiness with another man, and if he was wealthy enough to support her, so much the better.

I think that time has proven that Sarah will never be on her own financially. She obviously has a very difficult time handling money, as evidenced by her repeated debt problems. It is fine that she and Andrew have a good relationship but I don't think Sarah has any intention of ever living on her own. If that occurred, she might have to fund her ski trips and other vacations herself. I wouldn't say that she was a "gold-digger" in the beginning but I do think she is perfectly willing to be supported. An honestly, are her commercial endeavors all that successful? I mean to maintain a separate life and household away from Andrew?

 

[Moonmaiden23]

At the height of Sarah's commercial success in NYC about a decade ago SHE was the one funding Andrew's lavish ski holidays. Whenever he was in New York he stayed at her luxury penthouse.

Sarah made a lot of $$, but her pattern of financial mismanagement and overspending once her contracts with Weight Watchers, Ocean Spray, and Wedgwood China ended continued.

She has been almost as generous to her ex as he has been to her...it's not all one-sided.

 

[Zonk]

This discussion does not need to dominate two separate threads.

For now, all posts have been moved to http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums/f113/york-family-news-information-and-pictures-780-55.html .

Zonk
British Forums Moderator

 

[Blog Real]

Agreed. When she became The Duchess of York, people received her warmly. For a time, she was more popular than The Princess of Wales; she was seen as a woman who could be identified with because of her larger figure and because she wasn't titled. Her husband loved her. She knew before she married him that he'd be at sea. That's what naval officers do. She knew she'd be expected to perform public engagements without complaining and that people expect a certain decorum from members of the Royal Family. For the first couple of years of her public life, there weren't any real complaints about her. True, the papers were horrid about her weight problems. But other things that happened were her own fault.

Was Sarah more popular than Diana for a while?

 

[Moonmaiden23]

Sarah had a "shiny new toy" type of appeal with the press and public. She was very different from Diana who, after five years in the public eye had gained a reputation for being high maintenance, sulky, petulant at times despite her beauty and style.

But Fergiemania was soon over. Sarah was never really more popular than Diana.

 

[Lady Nimue]

Sarah had a "shiny new toy" type of appeal with the press and public. She was very different from Diana who, after five years in the public eye had gained a reputation for being high maintenance, sulky, petulant at times despite her beauty and style.

But Fergiemania was soon over. Sarah was never really more popular than Diana.

Was she? That doesn't come across in the videos one watches of the time. Later, in the 90's I see it once all the drama started. But that was happening earlier?

 

[Moonmaiden23]

The scene that comes immediately to mind was shortly after the York wedding the two couples were on the ski slopes and Diana became irritable and uncooperative when the press corps wanted a group photo. Charles was pleading for "darling" to please smile for the camera but she would not.

Even before the 90's she was gathering a reputation for being mercurial..and there was buzz that all was not well in the marriage.

Which most people scoffed at.

 

[Curryong]

I do remember all the 'breath of fresh air' comments about a bouncy and 'normal' Sarah, who had worked before marriage and was seemingly invariably jokey and cheerful. It was known she fitted in so well into BRF activities at Balmoral and Sandringham.

I don't know about 'high-maintenance', 'sulky' etc., but I can certainly remember reports in the Press from James Whitaker and co, stating that Diana was 'bored at Balmoral' wanting to be in London and 'on shopping sprees at Harrod's'. That was when William was a baby, (end of 1982.)

In November 1982 Diana and Charles seem to have had a blazing row and Diana turned up at Albert Hall on her own and very late after the other royals for the annual concert of Remembrance. She was flustered and she and Charles apparently had a semi public argument in the Royal Box.

That started off speculation about anorexia nervosa, the state of the Royal marriage and articles about it all getting too much for Diana. Nigel Dempster wrote discrediting it all and pleading for the press to give Diana a chance, while others sniped at Dempster, who himself said that Diana was becoming 'disoriented by all the exposure she's been subject to'.

(At that time Diana, who was very popular, had a run of thirteen engagements in three weeks.) Dear Nigel knocked his colleagues weeks later in an American interview when he said that 'Diana ruled the roost..Charles is unhappy that Fleet St forced him into this marriage.'

So there were certainly reports around in the media about Diana's health, and trouble in Paradise. This happened long before Sarah appeared on the scene.

 

[Lady Nimue]

Okay, I see, thank you, Moonmaiden and Curryong.

 

[royal_enthusiast]

If it’s ok to ask, do you think that Sarah would be allowed to be buried at Frogmore and have a funeral at St George’s Chapel. I was just thinking and wondering whether she would want to be buried alongside her daughters.

 

[Denville]

Was Sarah more popular than Diana for a while?

no. She was amusing, not unattractive and she had as soemones said here a "shiny new toy" appeal. But Diana was the one who had the magic. She was occasionally moody, but her appeal was massive and went on for most of her life as a royal.
Fergie was seen as a fun lively girl, who seemed to love Andrew, enjoyed royal life, and liked doing things like sports, learning to fly to get in touch with Andy's work etc. But she was always teetering over the top, good natured but silly and the Press did soon start to give her a hard time because she was loud, OTT in her dress sense, and not slim and elegant like Di.
And within a couple of years Sarah's charm had lessened. She got sulky because she was getting flak from the papers.. She began to take more holidays, to act up a bit, and to spend too much. She wrote a book, and said she would be giving the money to charity and then gave very little. She began to lose favour with the press and the public. Then I think she got fed up with Andrew and with the restrictions fo royal life and she began to fool rond with other men and started to cast around to get out of her marige.

The scene that comes immediately to mind was shortly after the York wedding the two couples were on the ski slopes and Diana became irritable and uncooperative when the press corps wanted a group photo. Charles was pleading for "darling" to please smile for the camera but she would not.

Even before the 90's she was gathering a reputation for being mercurial..and there was buzz that all was not well in the marriage.

Which most people scoffed at.

There were rumours taht all was not well with the marriage from very early on.. and they certainly did row in public, and servants began to tattle to the papers...
I thought that the incident of Diana not wanting to smile for the cameramen was earlier, before Sarah had married into the RF,

 

[LauraS3514]

There were rumours taht all was not well with the marriage from very early on.. and they certainly did row in public, and servants began to tattle to the papers...
I thought that the incident of Diana not wanting to smile for the cameramen was earlier, before Sarah had married into the RF,

Yes, the "not smiling" visit was the first skiing vacation Charles and Diana took in 1983. The infamous playful pushing and shoving between Diana and Sarah was in 1988 - Sarah was pregnant with Beatrice (but it hadn't been announced yet) and the trip would end tragically with the avalanche death of Hugh Lindsey that Prince Charles was a part of.

 

[Pranter]

I don't understand the 'not smiling' thing..I just googled and first pic I saw of their first ski trip together..she's smiling ....the trip to Liechetenstein in 84 right?


LaRae

 

[Iluvbertie]

The first rumours I heard of things not right in Charles and Diana's marriage was in late 1981 with stories of her telling Charles she hated Balmoral and already spending more nights apart than together and not just in separate bedrooms but in different homes.

As for Andrew and Sarah the first rumours I heard of trouble there came in 1990 between Beatrice and Eugenie with Sarah complaining that not only was he never home due to being in the navy but when he was at home he didn't want to do anything either with her or with Beatrice.

 

[Pranter]

I'm not sure what happened there with Andrew and Fergi...what changed where when he was home he wanted 'nothing to do with them'.....she married a military man so she had to know there would be separation. Maybe too it was an issue of non-support ...he's gone and she's left dealing with The Firm.




LaRae

 

[Lady Nimue]

Definitely strange behavior.

 

[Zonk]

Let's get back on topic...the marriage of Andrew and Sarah...not the marriage of Charles and Diana.

Additional off topic posts will be deleted without notice.

 

[Pranter]

Definitely strange behavior.

http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums/f38/charles-and-diana-2444-146.html


Discuss in this thread if you want ..about the video!


LaRae

 

[Denville]

I'm not sure what happened there with Andrew and Fergi...what changed where when he was home he wanted 'nothing to do with them'.....she married a military man so she had to know there would be separation. Maybe too it was an issue of non-support ...he's gone and she's left dealing with The Firm.




LaRae

She knew quite well that marrying a Naval officer means separations... but she began to whine once she was left alone. And Im sure that it is not at all the case that "Andrew didn't want to have anyting to do with her and Beatrice" Even if he was fed up with Sarah, soon, Im sure he was and is a loving father. And the indications are that it was Sara who got fed up iwht HIM, found him boring when they were home together but complained that he wasn't there when he was on duty...