Answer-first summary
Prince Andrew’s wife is Sarah Ferguson, commonly known as Fergie. They married on 23 July 1986 at Westminster Abbey in London, separated in 1992, and divorced in 1996. Though they have maintained a private relationship since, they remain on cordial terms and occasionally appear together at family events. This profile provides a durable overview of who Sarah Ferguson is, when the relationship and marriage occurred, and how their status and roles have evolved over time.
Who is Sarah Ferguson
Sarah Ferguson (born Sarah Margaret Ferguson on 15 October 1959 in London, England) is a British writer, charity patron, and public figure. She is the daughter of Major Ronald Ferguson and Susan Barrantes. Before and after her marriage, she pursued business and philanthropic interests, notably establishing children’s literacy programmes and supporting cancer research and children’s hospices. Her public profile is closely tied to her decade-long marriage to Prince Andrew, yet she has built an independent presence through charity work and writing.
Key biographical details at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Sarah Margaret Ferguson | Official biographies |
| Date of birth | 15 October 1959 | Public records |
| Place of birth | London, England | Verified biographies |
| Marriage to Prince Andrew | 23 July 1986 | Royal wedding records |
| Divorce from Prince Andrew | 30 May 1996 | Official royal statement |
| Children with Prince Andrew | 2 (Princess Beatrice, 1988; Princess Eugenie, 1990) | Royal family records |
Relationship timeline
Sarah and Andrew met in the mid‑1980s and were married in 1986. Their relationship experienced significant media attention and personal challenges, leading to a legal separation in 1992 and a formal divorce in 1996. Despite the separation and divorce, both have spoken publicly about maintaining a cooperative co‑parenting relationship for their two daughters. In recent years, they have appeared together at select family occasions, reflecting a stable, amicable post‑marital relationship.
Notable milestones
- 1986: Wedding at Westminster Abbey, televised globally.
- 1992: Legal separation announced amid intense media scrutiny.
- 1996: Divorce finalized, financial settlement agreed.
- 2000s–present: Continued co‑parenting and select joint appearances.
Titles and styles
During the marriage, Sarah held the style of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of York. After the divorce, she resumed using the style Sarah Ferguson, though she remains a friend of the royal family. She does not hold royal duties or public funding from the Sovereign Grant, and her role is primarily associated with charitable patronage and personal endeavours rather than official state functions.
Public roles and charitable work
Sarah Ferguson has focused much of her public life on philanthropy, especially in children’s welfare, cancer research, and literacy. She founded and supported several charities, including the British Heart Foundation and children’s hospices. She has also authored books and engaged in business ventures, maintaining a distinct public identity separate from but connected to her former royal status. Her ongoing visibility stems from consistent charity involvement and media engagements that highlight her personal narrative rather than formal duties.
Common questions and clarifications
Because the marriage remains a high‑interest topic, certain questions recur. Below are concise clarifications based on widely reported and verifiable information.
- Is Sarah Ferguson still married to Prince Andrew? No; they divorced in 1996.
- Does Sarah Ferguson hold any royal title now? No; she does not hold formal royal duties or styles.
- Are they parents together? Yes; they have two daughters, born in 1988 and 1990.
- Do they co‑parent amicably? Public statements and observed behaviour suggest a stable, cooperative co‑parenting relationship.
Summary and durable context
Sarah Ferguson is Prince Andrew’s former wife and the mother of his two children. Their marriage in 1986 and divorce in 1996 are well documented; since then, both have pursued separate lives while maintaining a public commitment to co‑parenting. Sarah Ferguson continues to be recognized for her charitable work and personal ventures, providing a clear, verifiable context for her relationship with Prince Andrew that remains relevant regardless of changing media cycles.