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Sarah, Duchess of York

Sarah, Duchess of York, is the courtesy style used by Sarah Margaret Ferguson, the former wife of Prince Andrew, Duke of York.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sarah, Duchess of York, is the courtesy style used by Sarah Margaret Ferguson, the former wife of Prince Andrew, Duke of York. Born in London in 1959, she became Duchess of York upon her 1986 marriage and later built a public career as an author, television personality, and charity patron. Following her divorce in 1996, she remained a prominent figure in British media and royal news.

Early life

Sarah Margaret Ferguson was born in London in 1959 to Major Ronald Ferguson and Susan Ferguson. Sources describe her as having an aristocratic and well-connected upbringing.

Marriage and royal status

She married Prince Andrew, Duke of York, in 1986 and became Her Royal Highness The Duchess of York. After their divorce in 1996, she remained publicly known as Sarah, Duchess of York.

Public career

Following her separation from royal life, Ferguson worked as an author, television personality, and entrepreneur. Her books include children's titles, autobiographies, and lifestyle-oriented publications.

Family

She has two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, and is a grandmother through their families. Her public profile has often been linked to major royal events involving her children.

Key facts

  • Sarah Margaret Ferguson was born in London on 15 October 1959.
  • She married Prince Andrew in 1986 and became styled as the Duchess of York.
  • The couple divorced in 1996, after which she was commonly styled Sarah, Duchess of York.
  • She is the mother of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
  • After her divorce, she became known as an author, television personality, and entrepreneur.
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Canadian context

No direct Canada-specific connection is established in the provided sources, though Sarah, Duchess of York is widely covered in Canadian media as part of international royal news.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Sarah, Duchess of York?
She is the courtesy style of Sarah Margaret Ferguson, the former wife of Prince Andrew, Duke of York.
When was she born?
She was born on 15 October 1959 in London, England.
Why is she called the Duchess of York?
She received the title when she married Prince Andrew, who was Duke of York at the time.
Did Sarah, Duchess of York, divorce Prince Andrew?
Yes. They divorced in 1996 after a separation earlier in the decade.
What is she known for besides royal connections?
She is known as an author, television personality, and public figure, especially for children's books and autobiographical writing.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sarah-Ferguson
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, marriage to Prince Andrew, divorce, and post-divorce career
  2. Royal Central — https://www.royalcentral.co.uk/uk/york/15-facts-about-sarah-duchess-of-york-149939/
    Supports: Birth details, family background, and authorship
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/royalty/sarah-ferguson
    Supports: Early life, marriage, divorce, and career as author and media personality
  4. Unofficial Royalty — https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/sarah-duchess-of-york/
    Supports: Royal styling and title usage after divorce
  5. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/children/scholarly-magazines/ferguson-sarah-1959-sarah-margaret-ferguson-sarah-duchess-york
    Supports: Marriage, children, and children's-book authorship
  6. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duchess_of_York
    Supports: Explanation of the Duchess of York title and post-divorce styling