Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson definitely have one of the most famous marriages in the British monarchy. Sure, during their marriage, they were seemingly in the shadows of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, but their story is just as fascinating and dramatic as you can imagine, from their first introduction in 1985 during one of the Queen’s “dine and sleep” events at Windsor castle to their high-drama separation in 1992, when photos of Ferguson with a new lover sent the royal family spinning.
Before they went their separate ways, however, Ferguson and Andrew enjoyed a marriage from 1986 to 1992 in which they welcomed two daughters together, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, both of whom have gone on to marry and expand their own families with their parents’ blessing. Princess Eugenie welcomed her baby boy August in February 2021, while Princess Beatrice is expecting her first child in the near future — and remarkably, Andrew and the Duchess of York have managed to repair their relationship so well that the whole family has been able to celebrate and look forward to these milestones together.
As we look ahead to the future of Andrew’s line (and his own place in the royal family), it’s always fascinating to see where everything started by turning back a few pages in history. With what would have been the couple’s wedding anniversary on July 23, we’re looking back on Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s relationship timeline from when they first met to their wedding, children, divorce and where they stand today.
How Did Prince Andrew & Sarah Ferguson Meet?
As it would happen, Princess Diana played a pivotal role in getting Sarah and Prince Andrew together. The two were childhood friends who reconnected as young adults. Diana even invited Sarah to her 1981 wedding to Prince Charles. With Diana orchestrating some get-togethers here and there, Sarah and Prince Andrew quickly became an item.
A Royal Engagement
The couple had a whirlwind romance once they went public and Prince Andrew proposed to Sarah on February 19, 1986. Roughly one month later, they announced their engagment to the public and had a photo session at Buckingham Palace to mark the occasion. Sarah’s engagement ring was truly one-of-a-kind. Prince Andrew helped design the oval-cut Burmese ruby surrounded by 10 diamonds. The ring was later passed down to their daughter, Princess Eugenie!
Entering The Royal Fold
Before their July 1986 wedding, Sarah was quickly ushered into a slew of royal engagements and public events, becoming an integral part of the royal family’s fold. Much like Princess Diana before her, Sarah attended events with her betrothed and there were a number of moments that signaled to the public that the royal family was growing and modernizing with its new, young members. Here, Sarah attends Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th birthday celebrations in April 1986.
A Fairytale Wedding
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s wedding day finally arrived on July 23, 1986. The couple exchanged their vows in Westminster Abbey, and they earned the titles Duke and Duchess of York from the queen. Like Prince Charles and Princess Diana before them, the couple shared a kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace while greeting thousands of citizens.
Settling Into Royal Life
After their wedding, the Duke and Duchess of York quickly settled into their rules as senior members of the royal family. In 1987, the couple embarked on a tour of Canada. They also traveled to America during the early years of their marriage. But it was barely two years after their wedding day that the couple would welcome their very first child.
The Couple Welcomes Princess Beatrice
Sarah and Andrew welcomed their daughter Princess Beatrice on August 8, 1988. Beatrice was born at a London hospital and became Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s fifth grandchild.
The Birth Princess Eugenie
Two years later, Prince Andrew and Sarah welcomed their second daughter, Princess Eugenie. The couple’s second daughter was born on March 23, 1990. Sadly, not long after Princess Eugenie’s birth, their married life began to unravel rather quickly, and it wasn’t long after that Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York were no longer on good terms.
A Public Divorce
In early 1992, barely after six years of marriage, Sarah and Prince Andrew legally separated. By August of that year, photos of Sarah with business man John Bryan surfaced and triggered a media frenzie that wouldn’t let up on the couple. From that point on, Sarah was essentially estranged from the royal family until the couple’s divorce was finalized in 1996.
Supporting Their Daughters
In the years after their divorce, the media swarmed Sarah and routinely scrutinized her lifestyle. Prince Andrew and Sarah, however, both remained devoted to raising their daughters. Sarah even lived in her former husband’s home for a time. Following their divorce, the two made public appearances together, though they were often with their daughters.
Years Later
Over the years, Sarah has been able to reclaim her reputation and mend her bond with the royal family. At the time of Princess Eugenie’s wedding, it was reported that Prince Andrew and Sarah were living under the same roof. The two attended their younger daughter’s wedding in October 2018, pictured here.
Where They Stand Today
Prince Andrew and Sarah are still seemingly quite close, despite allegations that Prince Andrew had ties to Jeffrey Epstein. After years of those allegations surfacing and women, who were under the legal age of consent at the time, bravely coming forward to share their stories, Sarah still supports her former husband. “Whatever challenges he has, I will stand firm to the co-parenters that we are together . . . I believe that he’s a kind, good man, and he’s been a fabulous father to the girls,” she recently told People. To this day, the two are on more amicable terms.
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