Sarah Ferguson has faced numerous scandals throughout her life. Initially praised for bringing a refreshing and down-to-earth vibe to the Royal Family when she married Prince Andrew in 1986, her public image has since been rocky. Her separation from Andrew in the early 1990s, following a controversial embrace with an American businessman, marked a turning point.
Despite their ongoing close relationship, Sarah and Andrew have recently relinquished their royal titles amidst renewed scrutiny over their connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Since her divorce, Sarah has engaged in various ventures, including writing books and collaborating with Weight Watchers, despite facing criticism over her weight.
In 1997, tragedy struck the Royal Family with Princess Diana’s untimely death in a car crash. Sarah’s Weight Watchers advertising campaign, which coincided with Diana’s passing, faced backlash due to an ill-timed tagline referencing paparazzi. The company swiftly pulled the TV adverts and canceled promotional appearances out of respect.
Sarah’s friendship with Diana soured towards the end of Diana’s life, stemming from disagreements over personal disclosures. Despite attempts to mend their rift, the two had not spoken in the year leading up to Diana’s death. Sarah recounted Diana’s last attempt to reconnect, revealing the lingering regret over their strained relationship.
The aftermath of Diana’s death and the fallout from Sarah’s advertising misstep underscored the complexities and challenges within the Royal Family and its relationships.