Early Life and Education of Sarah Ferguson: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Sarah Ferguson. From birth to education, explore key events.

Sarah Ferguson, also known as Fergie, is a British author and the former wife of Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. As the Duchess of York, she was a prominent member of the British royal family until her divorce from Andrew. She has since pursued a career as an author, writing both children's books and adult fiction and non-fiction. Ferguson remains a public figure, frequently appearing in the media and participating in charitable endeavors.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1931: Birth of Ronald Ferguson

In 1931, Major Ronald Ferguson, Sarah Ferguson's father, was born.

1937: Birth of Susan Barrantes

In 1937, Susan Barrantes (née Wright), Sarah Ferguson's mother, was born.

October 1959: Sarah Ferguson's Birth

In October 1959, Sarah Margaret Ferguson, later known as the Duchess of York, was born.

October 1959: Birth of Sarah Margaret Ferguson

On 15 October 1959, Sarah Margaret Ferguson was born at London Welbeck Hospital, London, to Major Ronald Ferguson and Susan Barrantes.

1974: Parents' Divorce

In 1974, Sarah Ferguson's parents divorced.

1976: Father's Remarriage

In 1976, Major Ronald Ferguson remarried Susan Deptford and had three more children.

1985: Reacquaintance at Royal Ascot

In 1985, Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew were reacquainted at Royal Ascot.

1985: Relationship with Prince Andrew Begins

In 1985, Sarah Ferguson began a relationship with Prince Andrew.

March 1986: Engagement Announcement

On 19 March 1986, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson announced their engagement.

July 1986: Marriage at Westminster Abbey

On 23 July 1986, Andrew and Ferguson were married at Westminster Abbey, with the Queen bestowing the title Duke of York upon Andrew, making Ferguson the Duchess of York.

July 1986: Marriage to Prince Andrew

On July 23, 1986, Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew married at Westminster Abbey, leading to her title as Duchess of York.

1987: Canada Tour

In 1987, Andrew and Sarah Ferguson undertook a 25-day tour of Canada. In February that year, Ferguson passed her private pilot's licence after completing a 40-hour training course paid for by Lord Hanson as a wedding gift, and she was presented with her wings at RAF Benson in December.

January 1988: Attack in New York

On 22 January 1988, during a visit to New York to attend a fundraising event, Sarah Ferguson was attacked by a young man at the entrance of her hotel. She was unharmed.

March 1988: Visit to California

In March 1988, Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew visited California, facing mixed reactions from the press.

August 1988: Birth of Princess Beatrice

In August 1988, Princess Beatrice, the first child of Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, was born.

May 1989: Solo Visit to Berlin

In May 1989, Sarah Ferguson undertook an official solo visit to Berlin.

1989: Popularization of Callanetics

In 1989, Sarah Ferguson was credited with helping to popularise the Callanetics exercise regime in the United Kingdom after reports that founder Callan Pinckney had given her private tuition.

March 1990: Birth of Princess Eugenie

In March 1990, Princess Eugenie, the second daughter of Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, was born by caesarean section.

1991: Strained Relationship

By 1991, the relationship between Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew was under strain due to his naval duties and her difficulty adjusting to royal life.

January 1992: Friendship with Steve Wyatt Publicized

In January 1992, Sarah Ferguson's friendship with Steve Wyatt attracted publicity when photographs of them appeared in newspapers.

March 1992: Separation Announcement

On 19 March 1992, the Duke and Duchess of York announced their separation.

August 1992: Daily Mirror Photographs

In August 1992, the Daily Mirror published surreptitiously taken photographs of John Bryan kissing Sarah Ferguson's toes, leading to public ridicule.

1992: Last Attendance at Christmas Service

Before 2023, the last time Sarah Ferguson attended the Christmas service at St Mary Magdalene Church, Sandringham was in 1992.

1992: Separation from Prince Andrew

In 1992, Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew separated, attracting significant media attention.

1992: Meeting Ania in Poland

In 1992, Sarah Ferguson met a young cancer victim named Ania during her visit to Poland, which led to her founding Children in Crisis.

March 1993: Formal Separation Agreement Finalized

On 28 March 1993, it was announced that a formal separation agreement between the Duke and Duchess of York had been finalised.

1995: Princess Margaret's Criticism

In 1995, Princess Margaret reportedly criticized Sarah Ferguson for bringing shame on the royal family.

1995: Theft of Jewelry

In 1995, a baggage handler at John F. Kennedy International Airport stole Sarah Ferguson's diamond necklace and bracelet.

1995: Reconciliation Speculation

In late 1995, reports and speculation about a possible reconciliation between Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew continued.

April 1996: Divorce Announcement

In April 1996, the Duke and Duchess of York announced their mutual decision to divorce.

May 1996: Divorce Finalized

On 30 May 1996, the divorce between Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew was finalised.

August 1996: Cessation of HRH Style

In August 1996, Sarah Ferguson formally ceased to be a Royal Highness in accordance with letters patent regulating post-divorce royal titles.

August 1996: Letters Patent Issued Regarding Royal Highness Style

On August 21, 1996, letters patent issued by Elizabeth II declared that former wives of British princes, excluding widows who remarried, were not entitled to the style of Her Royal Highness. Ferguson was referred to as "Sarah, Duchess of York".

November 1996: Publication of Autobiography

In November 1996, Sarah Ferguson published her autobiography "Sarah: My Story" and undertook a promotional tour.

1996: Publication of 'My Story'

In 1996, Sarah Ferguson's first autobiography, "My Story", was published and received poor reviews.

1996: Divorce from Prince Andrew

In 1996, the divorce between Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew was finalized, garnering widespread media coverage.

1998: Death of Susan Barrantes

In 1998, Susan Barrantes (née Wright), Sarah Ferguson's mother, passed away.

1999: Exclusion from Royal Wedding

In 1999, Sarah Ferguson was not invited to the wedding of Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones.

2002: Death of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother

In 2002, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother died; she had been residing at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park before her death.

2003: Death of Ronald Ferguson

In 2003, Major Ronald Ferguson, Sarah Ferguson's father, passed away.

2004: Duke moves to Royal Lodge

In 2004, The Duke of York moved to the refurbished Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

2006: News International phone hacking scandal

In 2006, Sarah Ferguson was one of the victims of the News International phone hacking scandal, receiving an undisclosed sum in an out-of-court settlement.

2006: Founded Hartmoor LLC

In 2006, using income from her work as a film producer and writer, Sarah Ferguson founded Hartmoor LLC in the US to support her "career in publishing, media and public speaking".

2007: Renting Dolphin House

In 2007, Sarah Ferguson rented Dolphin House in Englefield Green, which was located less than a mile from Royal Lodge.

2007: Interview on Divorce Decision

In a 2007 interview, Sarah Ferguson reflected on the decision to finalise her divorce from Prince Andrew, citing her desire to work and the incompatibility of commercial ventures with royal status.

2008: Fire at Dolphin House

In 2008, a small fire in the bathroom at Dolphin House led Sarah Ferguson to vacate the property and move into Royal Lodge with her former husband.

April 2009: Asked for tea with Epstein during layover

In April 2009, Sarah Ferguson asked Jeffrey Epstein, who was under house arrest at the time, if she could have a "quick cup of tea" during her layover in Palm Beach to discuss ideas for her company, Mother's Army, addressing him as "My dear spectacular and special friend Jeffrey."

June 2009: Sought advice on Mothers Army company

In June 2009, Sarah Ferguson emailed Jeffrey Epstein to ask for his advice on how to "start The Mothers Army company so it can be commercial".

July 2009: Epstein bought flights for "the Duchess"

In July 2009, email exchanges showed that Jeffrey Epstein's assistant bought "British Airways" flights for "the Duchess" for $14,080.10, and scheduled a lunch meeting at Epstein's mansion to which Sarah Ferguson intended to bring her daughters.

August 2009: Discussed Sarah Ferguson Brand with Epstein

In August 2009, Sarah Ferguson wrote to Jeffrey Epstein again to discuss "my Sarah Ferguson Brand" and thanked him "for being the brother I have always wished for".

September 2009: Travel to Nepal with loan

In September 2009, a business contact wrote that Sarah Ferguson had travelled to Nepal, paying for a first class flight with her loan from Rowland bank.

2009: Hartmoor LLC collapsed

In 2009, Hartmoor LLC, founded by Sarah Ferguson, collapsed, leaving her with debts of £630,000; she also faced financial disputes with three firms and was summoned to court for unpaid bills.

January 2010: Sought More Money from Epstein

In January 2010, an email reportedly showed that Sarah Ferguson was seeking more than the £15,000 she had previously admitted to taking from Jeffrey Epstein, asking for "50 or 100,000 US dollars to help get through the small bills".

January 2010: Offered to marry Epstein

On 30 January 2010, Sarah Ferguson emailed Jeffrey Epstein saying, "I am at your service. Just marry me".

March 2010: Discussed Eugenie's love life

In March 2010, a "Sarah" appeared to refer to Eugenie's love life in response to an email from Jeffrey Epstein, stating she was "Just waiting for Eugenie to come back from a shagging weekend!!".

May 2010: Filmed offering access to Andrew

In May 2010, Sarah Ferguson was filmed by the News of the World offering Mazher Mahmood, an undercover reporter posing as an Indian businessman, access to Prince Andrew for £500,000. She was seen taking away a briefcase containing £40,000 in cash.

July 2010: Epstein asked about Ferguson's daughters

In July 2010, Jeffrey Epstein asked Sarah Ferguson whether there was "any chance of your daughters saying hello" to his god-daughter Celina; Ferguson replied that Beatrice was in London with Andrew.

August 2010: Possible bankruptcy

By August 2010, reports suggested that Sarah Ferguson might declare voluntary bankruptcy with debts of around £5 million.

2010: Settlement Details Revealed

By 2010, details about Sarah Ferguson's divorce settlement were estimated to include a cash payment, funds for a house, and a monthly allowance.

March 2011: Epstein bankrolled Ferguson for 15 years

After Sarah Ferguson had publicly distanced herself from Jeffrey Epstein in March 2011, an email implied that Epstein had bankrolled her for over 15 years.

March 2011: Public statement to sever ties with Epstein

In March 2011, Sarah Ferguson publicly stated that she had severed all ties with Jeffrey Epstein.

March 2011: Admitted getting money from Epstein

On 7 March 2011, Sarah Ferguson admitted to getting money from Jeffrey Epstein and called it a "gigantic error of judgment".

April 2011: Contacted Epstein after public statement

In April 2011, Sarah Ferguson contacted Jeffrey Epstein, despite her public statement in March 2011 that she had severed all ties with him.

September 2011: Congratulated Epstein on the birth of a boy

On 21 September 2011, Sarah Ferguson sent an email congratulating Jeffrey Epstein on the birth of a boy, adding that she was "here with love, friendship and congratualtions".

2011: Publication of 'Finding Sarah'

In 2011, Sarah Ferguson published a second autobiography, "Finding Sarah: A Duchess's Journey to Find Herself", which addressed her financial difficulties and public challenges.

2011: Exclusion from Royal Wedding

In 2011, Sarah Ferguson was not invited to the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

August 2013: Stay at Balmoral Castle

In August 2013, Sarah Ferguson stayed at Balmoral Castle with Prince Andrew and their daughters as guests of the Queen.

September 2013: Remarriage Prospect

In September 2013, Sarah Ferguson said that Prince Andrew would always be her "handsome prince,", when asked about the prospect of remarriage.

2014: Purchase of Swiss chalet

In 2014, Andrew and Sarah Ferguson purchased a Swiss chalet, taking out a mortgage of £13.25 million.

2015: Involvement with Manuel Fernandez

Around 2015, Sarah Ferguson became closely involved with entrepreneur Manuel Fernandez.

2015: Move to Verbier, Switzerland

In 2015, Sarah Ferguson reportedly moved out of Royal Lodge and took up residence in Verbier, Switzerland, where she and Andrew owned a chalet.

April 2016: Named in Panama Papers

In April 2016, Sarah Ferguson was named in the Panama Papers.

November 2016: Intended to sue News Group Newspapers

In November 2016, Sarah Ferguson intended to sue News Group Newspapers and its owner Rupert Murdoch for £25 million in damages, citing her "loss in earnings" as well as the subsequent "distress" that the media sting brought to her as the main reasons.

2016: Maintained apartment in London

As of 2016, Sarah Ferguson maintained a rented apartment in Eaton Square, London, while also residing in Verbier, Switzerland.

2016: Investment in vVoosh

In 2016, Sarah Ferguson publicly appeared with Manuel Fernandez and invested in his tech start-up vVoosh, also joining the board of its affiliated charity.

2018: Attendance at Royal Wedding

In 2018, Sarah Ferguson attended the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but was excluded from the evening reception.

2018: Met Jay Bloom

In 2018, Sarah Ferguson first met Jay Bloom in Las Vegas which developed into a business friendship.

2019: Debt on Swiss Chalet

By the end of 2019, Andrew and Sarah Ferguson were expected to pay the remaining £5 million of the purchase price for their Swiss chalet in cash instalments, with interest having increased this to £6.8 million.

2019: Scrutiny over friendship with Epstein

In 2019, Prince Andrew came under scrutiny for his close friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, who in March 2011 had helped Sarah Ferguson avoid bankruptcy.

May 2020: Legal dispute over chalet debt

In May 2020, it was reported that Andrew and Sarah Ferguson were in a legal dispute over a debt from the 2014 purchase of their Swiss chalet.

September 2021: Legal agreement over Swiss chalet

In September 2021, The Times reported that Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew had reached a legal agreement with the previous owner of their Swiss chalet to sell the house and pay back their debt.

September 2022: Attendance at Queen Elizabeth II's Funeral

In September 2022, Sarah Ferguson attended the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

2022: Purchase of Belgravia townhouse

In 2022, Sarah Ferguson purchased a townhouse in London's Belgravia for £4.25 million as an investment for her daughters.

May 2023: Exclusion from Coronation

In May 2023, Sarah Ferguson was not invited to the coronation of King Charles III.

June 2023: Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Mastectomy

In June 2023, Sarah Ferguson was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer following a routine mammogram. She underwent a single mastectomy at King Edward VII's Hospital and reconstructive surgery, with doctors stating a "good" prognosis.

June 2023: Absence from Royal Website

As of June 2023, Sarah Ferguson did not appear on the section of the royal family's website titled "Members of the Royal Family".

December 2023: Attendance at Christmas Service

On 25 December 2023, Sarah Ferguson joined the royal family for the Christmas service at St Mary Magdalene Church, Sandringham, marking her first attendance at the event since 1992.

January 2024: Melanoma Diagnosis

In January 2024, Sarah Ferguson was diagnosed with melanoma after having several moles removed for analysis.

September 2025: Charities end association with Ferguson

In September 2025, following renewed scrutiny prompted by the publication of emails, seven charities of which Sarah Ferguson was patron or ambassador ended their association with her.

October 2025: Notice to surrender Royal Lodge lease

In October 2025, Buckingham Palace announced that formal notice had been served to Prince Andrew to surrender his lease of Royal Lodge, and that Sarah Ferguson would be making her own living arrangements.

October 2025: Cessation of Courtesy Title

In October 2025, Sarah Ferguson ceased using the courtesy title Duchess of York, following Prince Andrew's decision to no longer use his peerage titles.

October 2025: Report on leaked emails

In October 2025, The Mail on Sunday reported on leaked emails suggesting that Sarah Ferguson had celebrated Jeffrey Epstein's release from jail in 2009 by visiting him in New York with her daughters.

October 2025: Reported to no longer use Duchess of York title

On 17 October 2025, following her former husband Andrew's agreement to cease using his peerage titles, it was reported that Sarah Ferguson would no longer use "Duchess of York" as a courtesy title. On 21 October, she removed the title from her social media page handles.