Sky News Daily Revisited: Sarah Ferguson: Debts, deceit and the downfall of a duchess
Dec 30, 2025
Andrew Lownie, historian and author of *Entitled: The Rise and Fall Of The House of York*, offers insights into Sarah Ferguson’s tumultuous journey. He delves into her troubled upbringing, the royal family's initial reservations about her, and how public scandals, including her affair and ties to Jeffrey Epstein, reshaped her image. Lownie analyzes the royal tensions, her subsequent commercial ventures, and the complex dynamics of her relationship with Prince Andrew. He paints a portrait of Ferguson as both empathetic and flawed, navigating a legacy of privilege marred by controversy.
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Charismatic Image Masked Reputational Risk
- Sarah Ferguson was a vivacious, charismatic public figure who became a liability to the royal family after repeated scandals.
- Her close ties to Jeffrey Epstein and subsequent charity losses crystallised her fall from grace.
Scandal In The South Of France
- Andrew Lownie recounts how Sarah's party lifestyle and impulsive choices eroded palace goodwill and staff tolerance.
- He describes the 1992 south of France episode where she was caught with John Bryan, which forced a royal intervention.
Social Climbing Created Vulnerabilities
- Both Andrew and Sarah chased the high-life and influential patrons, making them vulnerable to problematic associates.
- Their shared attraction to wealthy backers repeatedly created ethical and reputational dilemmas.