While it has been rumored that Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, faced difficulties in their relationship during the last year of Diana’s life, there was a time when these two royals were genuinely close friends. Surprisingly, they shared many commonalities.
Their bond originally stemmed from their childhood friendship, which only grew stronger when they both married into the royal family. Diana married Prince Charles in 1981, and Ferguson wed Prince Andrew in 1986. This period marked the ascent of these young women in the royal family, filled with vitality and enthusiasm.
Each went on to have two children. Diana had her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, while Ferguson welcomed her two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. All four children grew up together, as they were roughly similar in age. Notably, both royal marriages faced turmoil around the same time, with each couple separating in 1992 and eventually divorcing in 1996.
Now, more than two decades after Diana’s passing, Ferguson has shared insights about her friendship with the late princess in an interview with People. She reflected on what Diana might have thought about her daughters-in-law, and her belief is that Diana would have deeply admired Catherine Middleton and Meghan Markle.
Ferguson also expressed how Diana would have relished her role as a grandmother, given her affection for children, particularly her own two sons and Ferguson’s two daughters.
In her featured interview with PEOPLE, complete with a video and cover story, Sarah Ferguson shares her insights on how Princess Diana might perceive her daughters-in-law, Catherine Middleton and Meghan Markle, if she were alive today. Ferguson disclosed:
“If she were right here with me at this moment, I’m convinced she would say, ‘I am immensely proud of both my sons and the exceptional women they have chosen. Each of them has their own unique voice.'”
Ferguson reiterated that “[Diana] would take great pride in her sons and their spouses.” She also emphasized that, akin to herself, Diana would be an adoring grandmother who would be “entirely smitten with her grandchildren… because that’s where her heart truly lay.” Furthermore, she conveyed Diana’s deep affection for her own children, saying, “She cherished [Ferguson’s] girls, just as she cherished the boys. This would be her sanctuary. Her paradise.”
Reflecting on her enduring friendship with Diana over the decades, Ferguson recalled, “We were inseparable best friends from the time she was 14, and I was 15.” She also disclosed that it was Diana who initiated the introduction between Ferguson and Prince Andrew, revealing:
“It was Diana who said, ‘No, no, I want you to come and stay at Windsor Castle, and you should meet my brother-in-law, Andrew.'”
Upon their first encounter, when Ferguson remarked that the prince was “quite charming,” the late princess playfully responded with, “Duh, Fergie!” The Duchess also shared that Diana possessed “an incredible sense of humor” and “the most delightful, contagious laughter,” which always brought a smile to Ferguson’s face. She acknowledged Diana as her mentor in public life, saying:
“She displayed extraordinary courage. We shared some truly amazing moments together.”
Addressing the persistent rumors surrounding a rift between her and Diana before the princess’s untimely passing in 1997, Ferguson clarified the matter in her interview with PEOPLE:
“We made a solemn promise to always stand together — there was never any division between us. Yet, many wished for that, simply because our bond was unbreakable. People often seek to dismantle something so robust.”
Clearly, Ferguson’s deep affection for her cherished friend remains undiminished, and she holds the belief that Diana’s spirit continues to be present among us. She expressed:
“There’s no doubt that she is still here with us. I am certain she remains with us. In my heart, she resides, and I hold her dear.”
Ferguson went on to share her belief that if Diana were still alive today, her mission would be to spread joy and inspire people to embrace their authentic selves. She remarked:
“Diana would be actively striving to empower more individuals, infuse them with happiness, and encourage them to approach life with optimism and hope, simply by being true to themselves.”
She concluded the video segment of the interview by saying, “A warm, heartfelt tribute to Diana, happy birthday to Diana, and just remember, we love you, and we should all endeavor to love one another.”
From Ferguson’s interview, it is evident that Diana continues to occupy a special place in her heart, and her aim is to pay tribute to Diana’s spirit and life by openly discussing their enduring friendship. Moreover, by dispelling the notion of a strained relationship in Diana’s final years, the interview provides fresh insights into Diana’s last chapters.
Were you aware of the profound closeness between Sarah Ferguson and Princess Diana? If this article has enlightened you, kindly share it with any fellow royal enthusiasts you may know!
