Buckingham Palace is reportedly gripped by a 'major fear' that Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, is planning a revealing television interview in the wake of her ex-husband Prince Andrew's public downfall.
Significant Offers and Palace Anxieties
According to sources, American television channels have tabled six-figure sums to secure what would be Fergie's first major TV interview since she was stripped of her 'Her Royal Highness' style. The 66-year-old is said to be carefully considering these lucrative offers, which have also come from networks in the Gulf states and the UK.
Insiders reveal that Palace aides are deeply concerned about the prospect, worried that the mother of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie could go 'rogue'. There is a palpable fear she might disclose information that could cause significant embarrassment for King Charles and Queen Camilla, as well as other members of the Royal Family.
One source stated, "There’s a danger of her going rogue and saying things that could cause embarrassment for King Charles and Queen Camilla, or other members of the family." The source added that while the Royal Family is bound to worry, "there’s not much they can do to stop her."
A Reputation at Stake and Financial Pressures
The potential interview is seen as a pivotal moment for Ferguson, a make-or-break opportunity to salvage her reputation. Her team is reportedly desperate to avoid a repeat of Prince Andrew's disastrous 2019 'Newsnight' interview with Emily Maitlis, an event now referred to internally as the 'Maitlis scenario'.
This comes at a time of increasing personal and financial pressure for Ferguson. She has been told to leave Royal Lodge, the home she shares with Andrew, and must "find money and somewhere to live next year." Further damaging her income, copies of her children’s book, Flora and Fern: Kindness Along the Way, have been pulped.
A source close to the situation explained, "Sarah is bruised like never before by events, and things like the book being pulped have damaged her income." This financial strain is believed to be a significant factor in her consideration of a high-profile, paid interview.
Clearing Her Name and Potential for Oprah
Ferguson is said to be keen to answer questions, as she strongly believes she has been harshly treated. A key objective would be to publicly state that she knew nothing about Jeffrey Epstein's crimes or what Andrew was involved in.
The source elaborated, "Sarah has always said she had no idea what [Jeffrey] Epstein, and Andrew, were up to – and why would anyone tell her? She’s the mother of two girls after all. She admits she knew Epstein and the reality is she cultivated a friendship because of his wealth. But that doesn’t mean she knew what he was doing behind closed doors."
While her representatives are fielding offers from around the world, one prominent name being floated is Oprah Winfrey, who has interviewed Ferguson in the past. This has added to Palace nerves, given the global platform and reach Oprah commands. As one insider put it, "Andrew has had his chances to tell his story. Now it’s Fergie’s time."
