END OF THE FAIRYTALE

The duchess who dreamed of a happy ending faces a new chapter as ex-husband Prince Andrew gives up his royal titles

- REPORT: ALISON EASTWOOD

Her joy was palpable. Posting a photo from the grounds of Windsor Castle during the Coronation Concert for the King, Sarah Ferguson was radiant – overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude at being accepted back into the royal fold after so many years on the fringes.

“I felt so lucky to be invited and included,” she wrote on Instagram, sharing an image of herself with daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. “To enjoy it all was such an honour, and I am deeply grateful.”

Now, her royal title gone as a result of ex-husband Prince Andrew’s actions, that fairytale is unequivocally over, leaving observers left to wonder how the former duchess and her daughters will move forward in light of the scandal that has once again cast a shadow over the York family.

STARTING OVER

Sarah, 66, had every reason to believe she was entering a hopeful new chapter. After successfully battling breast cancer and malignant melanoma in consecutive years, she had emerged stronger and more reflective, focusing on her writing (she has authored dozens of books) and often sharing how grateful she is to be alive. She had rebuilt her relationship with the Royal Family, quietly welcomed back by King Charles after his 2022 accession. Her bond with Queen Elizabeth II had remained deeply affectionate until the end – the late monarch was said to have a soft spot for her former daughter-in-law, whose warmth and humour never wavered, even amid the couple’s public missteps.

But recent events have altered the landscape completely – for Sarah and her daughters.

The fact that there is no going back this time was made clear by Prince Andrew’s statement, issued by Buckingham Palace on the evening of Oct. 17.