Andrew & Sarah: Marriage, Divorce and Divorce Settlement

[NGalitzine]

I miss the good old days when you could lock an unwanted wife up in the tower or in a convent and just be done with it. I personally believe all ex spouses & ex girlfriends, royal and otherwise, should disappear and never darken the door again.

[camelot23ca]

I don't know that I believe Sarah and Andrew are still in love or would ever even want to try rekindling their relationship, but I do think they truly like each other and each enjoys the other's continuing presence and support.

Sarah and Andrew are family in the sense that they share children. You can dissolve a marriage but you can't make your children's other parent disappear; that bond is permanent, for better or for worse. For all their respective foibles, I do really admire the way Andrew and Sarah have chosen "for better" in this area of their lives.

[Dman]

Originally Posted by NGalitzine

I miss the good old days when you could lock an unwanted wife up in the tower or in a convent and just be done with it. I personally believe all ex spouses & ex girlefriends, royal and otherwise, should disappear and never darken the door again.

Lol, I guess that happened in the days when folk hated each other with a great deal of passion and did everything to try to banish them from the face of the earth.

I guess it's a good thing for the sake of the girls that their parents don't hate each other but are their for each other and support one another.

[nascarlucy]

The living arrangements that Sarah and Andrew have seem to suit both of them well. They don't seem to have any complaints about it but others seem to complain about it or criticize them.

[padams2359]

Oh, I did not mean "Living" living together. She has a pretty good set up. Great living arrangements, and she doesn't even have to sleep with him.

[COUNTESS]

I think they still love one another and if not for the Ho Ha of the BRF they may have returned to living together, and, perhaps, they have.

[XeniaCasaraghi]

Originally Posted by NGalitzine

I miss the good old days when you could lock an unwanted wife up in the tower or in a convent and just be done with it. I personally believe all ex spouses & ex girlefriends, royal and otherwise, should disappear and never darken the door again.

Well it's kind of hard to do that when you have children together. Rather than disappearing it is better to remain civil if not friendly.

[FergieFan]

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.

[bethaliz6894]

i know a lot of relationships that work better divorced than married. i praise them for sticking together and making a union to raise the girls together. the girls will be much better for it. besides, they are probaly more married than we know. i have always thought their love was true. i wonder how much of the divorce was created by public opinion.

[Dman]

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.

[Mirabel]

Originally Posted by FergieFan

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]

Originally Posted by Dman

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by FergieFan

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.