How Sarah Ferguson Chose To Separate From Prince Andrew While Still Caring About Him

Sarah Ferguson made a difficult decision about whether or not she should still stay with Prince Andrew. The Duchess of York eventually chose to separate from the Duke of York even if she still cared for him deeply.

In her 1996 book “My Story,” Fergie said that the year 1992 was very challenging for the royal family. But prior to this, she and Prince Andrew were already talking about the possibility of going their separate ways.

“If ever the royal family needed a respite, it was in August of 1992,” she said. “The Queen would later call it her annus horribilis, the year of torn mornings and shattered peace. In April, Princess Anne entered divorce proceedings against Captain Mark Phillips. In June came the first published extracts of ‘Diana: Her True Story,’ a tabloid-flavored rendering of the Princess of Wales’ bulimia, suicide tries, and marital problems with Prince Charles,” Fergie added.

The mom of two acknowledged that she also contributed to Her Majesty’s most difficult year. During the early part of 1992, the Duke and Duchess of York have been discussing their separation plans. Fergie said that she had already reached the end of her “royal rope” at that time.

“For six years, I had shouldered the demands of Palace life,” she said. “I’d endured the constant scrutiny of the British press and the barely veiled hostility of the Royal Household, the courtiers who run the show. Gradually, relentlessly, they had beaten me down. They were killing me by inches … It was time to save my life.”

Shortly after, the Palace announced Prince Andrew and Fergie’s separation to the entire world. But even after their split, Fergie was still considered as part of the royal family. Things just changed after she was photographed in a toe-sucking scandal with business tycoon John Bryan.

A photo of Princess Beatrice’s mom made front-page news on the Daily Mirror. And the Queen, Prince Philip and the other members of the royal family saw it.

At that time, Fergie was still living in the Palace. She arrived late for breakfast and saw how the royals tried to hide their copy of the Daily Mirror from her.