Sarah Ferguson, the ex-wife of Prince Andrew, was born in London on October 15^th 1959 to Major Ronald Ferguson and Susan Wright.  Both she and her older sister grew up in a privileged environment and even when her parents divorced in 1972 Sarah still led a charmed life living on her father’s farm in Dummer, Hampshire, UK.Sarah attended a boarding school that was especially chosen for its high standards in ballet courses in order to introduce the young Sarah to all the social graces that would benefit her in the upper class environment in which she would live. 

Graduating from Queen’s Secretarial College, London, at eighteen, Sarah’s first choice for a career path was in public relations which took her to a central London firm until she was lured away by the glamour of working for an art gallery.  Her final choice of career found her working in a publishing company where she has since declared her salary was insufficient and she frequently worried about finances. However, this didn’t deter the young socialite from jetting around the world and taking many skiing trips and holidays in romantic location. Having come from a long line of aristocracy had always held Sarah in good stead in the world of celebrity in Europe and the UK. Sarah is a descendant of King Charles II of England and is also a distant cousin of Princess Alice who is an aunt of Queen Elizabeth II.

In 1985, through Diana’s efforts, Sarah was brought together with Prince Andrew, the younger brother of Prince Charles and at that time fourth in line to the British throne.  July 1986 saw the couple marrying at Westminster Abbey and with Andrew already holding the title of The Duke of York, Sarah automatically took on the title of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of York.During her life as a Royal in the public eye Sarah was constantly derided by the press being referred to as ‘The Duchess of Pork’ due to her chubby appearance and her financial problems

Sarah and Andrew’s  marriage was to produce two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie born respectively in 1988 and 1990. But by 1992 the couple were drifting apart with Andrew being away with his military and royal duties, Sarah began seeking out her own social life.  Most notably, she was frequently seen with a Texas millionaire, Steve Wyatt and this eventually brought about the separation of the royal couple.Following her separation from Prince Andrew, Sarah’s public behavior became the target of much ridicule by the British press and her antics further distanced her from the Royal Family.

Throughout her public life in the Royal Family, Sarah was the butt of jokes relating to her weight problem. Often compared to the sleek, fashionable Princess Diana, she, by comparison was viewed as rather dowdy. It was when Sarah arrived in the USA in 1996 that she really took on the high profile, glamorous celebrity that had eluded her in the UK. Once in America she became committed to Weight Watchers International as a spokesperson and began to earn her way in life in her own right.

Other endorsements followed, Wedgewood China, Bath and Body Works and Moissanite jewelry. Sarah’s public speaking also brought her great financial rewards in the USA .

Since Sarah’s acceptance in the USA her image has been less of a caricature in the UK, to where she now commutes when her business commitments in the USA allow. While living in the USA Sarah has been a guest on the Larry King Show.Sarah’s social life has seen her and her eldest daughter, Beatrice,  partying with P. Diddy and Paris Hilton in St Tropez,  attending David Beckham’s World Cup celebrations in 2006 and often referring to Sharon Osbourne as one of her best pals.

In recent years Sarah’s relationship with the British Royal family has improved dramatically and during  interviews she always speaks highly of Queen Elizabeth II and of her life long devotion to her country.Sarah is credited with being the only female member of the Royal family to hold a private pilot’s license.

ABB