Princess Diana Never Forgave Sarah Ferguson For One Serious Allegation in Her Memoir: Author
Diana became anxious that Ferguson's exuberance would harm her reputation, and she started to distance herself.
Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson once formed the ultimate Windsor support system. As fourth cousins and childhood friends who married the 'heir' and the 'spare' ― King Charles and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor ― their bond appeared unbreakable, fueled by a shared habit of commiserating about the Firm over weekend phone calls. Yet, this famously tight relationship fractured before the end, leaving the two completely estranged by the time of Diana's tragic death in 1997.
Royal historian and author Andrew Lownie gave insight into the reasons that apparently drove a wedge between the two during a video interview with the Daily Mail. He claimed that the sisters-in-law fell out over Ferguson's tell-all 1996 autobiography, My Story, in which she wrote about contracting a plantar wart after borrowing a pair of shoes from the late Princess of Wales. "In fact, the reality was that Diana was very concerned that Sarah Ferguson might well be selling stories about her, and that relationship was never repaired, though Sarah Ferguson pretended it had," Lownie added.
The author also revealed that over time, Diana started to distance herself from Ferguson, growing anxious that the former Duchess's exuberant antics would harm her reputation. Lownie also claimed that Diana teased Ferguson about their respective separations and divorces. Ferguson and Mountbatten-Windsor divorced in 1992, yet they remained exceptionally close, living together at Royal Lodge even after the former Duke lost his royal titles and patronages. In contrast, Diana married Charles in 1981, separated in 1992, and finalized their divorce in 1996, respectively, just a year before her tragic death in a car accident.
Later, during an interview with PEOPLE, Ferguson labeled her relationship with Diana as "saint and sinner". "Diana and I both had our own mental health issues, and she and I used to talk," Ferguson recalled. "She said, 'Fergie, remember one thing: When you're at the top of the pedestal, it's so easy to fall off. And you're at the bottom. You just climb up.'" Ferguson continues to remember their friendship even after Diana's death.
On July 1, 2024, Princess Diana would have celebrated her 63rd birthday. In remembrance, the ex-Duchess of York shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, reflecting on their unique relationship. She described Diana as a "pillar of light and love," highlighting the legacy she left behind. Ferguson expressed fond memories of their laughter and lauded their bond despite it being complicated towards the end.
