Sarah Ferguson Reflects on Her Deep Connection with Late Princess Diana
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, recently opened up about her profound relationship with the late Princess Diana.
In the latest episode of her podcast "Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah," Ferguson discussed her close bond with the mother of Prince William and Prince Harry during a conversation with co-host Sarah Thomson.
When asked whether she felt a connection with the late Princess, Ferguson recounted how she admired Diana to the extent of emulating her.
"I was taken aback by her ability to connect with people when I first became a princess, also known as Duch," the Duchess of York reminisced, as reported by Fox News Digital. "I found myself mirroring her, copying her style because she was phenomenal. She had this ability to enter a room full of energy, love, leaving everything else behind."
Before joining the royal family through marriage, Ferguson and Princess Diana were childhood friends. Diana wed Prince Charles in 1981, and she was instrumental in introducing Ferguson to Prince Andrew. The Duke and Duchess of York walked down the aisle in 1986.
Beyond their royal ties, Ferguson also highlighted their shared enthusiasm for philanthropy and the deep friendship between their mothers.
"Diana and I were passionate about charity work. It was a mutual love," Ferguson stated. "In many ways, she was very much like me. She underestimated her own brilliance, and so did I. We had this beautiful connection. Our mothers were schoolmates and best friends, and Diana was my fourth cousin. It's fascinating how fate brought us together."
Both women experienced the turmoil of royal divorces. Diana and Charles parted ways in 1992, finalizing their divorce four years later. She tragically died in a Paris car crash in 1997. Ferguson and Prince Andrew separated in 1992 and officially divorced in 1996.
"Our love for each other was unparalleled," said Ferguson, referring to her bond with Princess Diana. "She was the person who could make me laugh like no one else could."
The author of "Most Intriguing Lady" continued, "Diana's laughter resonated down the halls. She was unique, capable of pouring her whole heart into others, neglecting her own needs. It's a trait that's been much written about. Now, at 63, I'm beginning to comprehend what that truly implies."
Despite their strong bond, the press often portrayed Diana and Ferguson as rivals when they were members of the royal family. The Duchess of York recollected how the media celebrated Diana's beauty while labeling her as "plump" and "dowdy."
Ferguson also shed light on their mutual struggles with mental health and shared a piece of advice that Diana once gave her.
"Diana and I had our battles with mental health, and we used to discuss them," Ferguson revealed. "She once told me, 'Fergie, remember, it's easy to fall when you're on top. When you're down, all you can do is climb.' We were typecast as the saint and sinner, but we always stood strong together, regardless of what was written about us."