EP2: CINDERELLA or Pumpkin? Sarah My Story

Welcome to episode 2 of "Sarah, The Duchess Of York, My Story" book review series produced by The Vintage Read Show.
In this episode, we continue to review Sarah's introduction titled "Rock Bottom". It is a fascinating insight into what turned out to be Sarah's most challenging 3 days at Balmoral.
The whole family is at Balmoral and the photos of Sarah in the South of France with John Bryan surface and are published in the Mirror newspaper.
Queen Elizabeth 11 was very angry!
#sarahferguson #bookchat #bookreview #thevintagereadshow
I will be reviewing Sarah Ferguson's book in detail every Monday evening at 9.45pm AEST time
See you in the comments!
Shauna x The Vintage Read Show Playlist Direct Links 🔗:
⭐️Literary Likes - Author Interviews • Literary Likes!
⭐️Beyond The Pages - The Latest News Examined • Beyond The Pages - The...
⭐️A Snarky Snippet - Satire • A Snarky Snippet ⭐️A Gossip Before Bed - Community • A Gossip Before Bed
⭐️Royal Secrets By Stephen P. Barry • Royal Secrets By Steph...
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⭐️Piers Morgan Stories From The Insider - Book Chat • Piers Morgan Stories F...
⭐️SPARE By Prince Harry - Book Review Series • SPARE By Prince Harry ...
⭐️Sarah The Duchess Of York My Story Book Review Series • Sarah The Duchess Of Y...

[@Jeanne90275]

Sarah Ferguson used the most appalling judgment in nearly everything she did. She and Andrew had a lot in common.

[@user-ro2vb8by7u]

She acted ridiculous on Christmas.

[@barbraluce5706]

I read this when the book first came out and one big memory from years ago was how kind Prince Philip was initially. .Good job, Shauna.

[@TheSaba2115]

Absolutely! The two are quite a pair!

[@MeMyselfAndEyeTeeth]

@@user-ro2vb8by7u Yes, I cringed at the video of her out in front of the chapel after the service. Poor woman doesn't seem capable of putting a foot right, very often.😬🤦‍♀

[@derek.....]

Prince Harry is writing another book entitled “The Whinging Aristocrat Traitor” abbreviated to T.W.A.T.!

[@Kari_B61ex]

😆🤣👍

[@thevintageread]

Ouch! 😂💕

[@Space_cadet0007]

I think all the calls for those two to lose their titles is unfair, especially the grief The King is getting for not doing it. I have a solution though that might please everyone. If the king takes the duke and duchess of sussex titles back and replaces them with another title. There’s a place in the Orkney isles I think would suit them and make everyone happy. Rename them Duke and Duchess of T.w.a.t.T.

[@janparish7895]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@whatsinaname3561]

I will buy that one 😂😂😂

[@brendastajkowski502]

Talk about a compromised photo shoot. I don't think she ever got over it completely. And here they raised a furore about the picture of Catherine and her lovely children. I guess that shows you how dangerous social media has become.

[@KeiPalace]

Well it shows you how there can be a 'real' scandal, and how ones are trying to be manufactured

[@anamariamarquez105]

​@@KeiPalaceYou are sooo right... Social media is plain hateful... The so-called journalists, society, common people are very resentful... Waiting for the moment to stab and hurt someone.. The involution of humanity 😔

[@tlw842]

Great video. Sarah can say what she wants, but she created her own misfortune. Her only saving grace was that there was no internet back then.

[@happytoday333]

I think that there was no internet was Diana's saving grace.

[@TK-xh1xc]

Love your analysis Shauna! You feel empathy for Fergie but also can’t quite let her off the hook - she has to take responsibility for her actions.

[@janscott7565]

Gotta give it to Sarah, she didn't bolt down the back stairs and do a runner, even when Andrew told her how bad the expose really was. Takes a lot of pluck to face the whole family of in-laws and apologise to them all.

[@margaretbarnes2032]

Sarah knew then like she knows now which side her bread is buttered on!

[@patriciaarroni2142]

It's not the book, it's the way you tell it! Once a week is not enough, much more often please!😊❤❤❤❤❤

[@fibanocci314]

Well, she's doing two books once each a week, plus snarky snippets, her Spare series, and the occasional full book review or news breakdown. I doubt she COULD be doing more at this point.

[@sallygardiner7150]

I met Sarah at a small engagement, not long after she had married Andrew. She was wearing very little makeup. I was stunned by her skin - it was truly beautiful - flawless and glowing. She also looked slim.. A couple of years later, the press were already starting to make fun of her, about her weight. We were standing close to her by the paddock at Royal Ascot; again, I thought how attractive she looked. We agreed, completely different to how she did in the newspapers. I had set the TV to record, in case we had missed any excitement in the races, having not always been able to get a good view. When I replayed it later; lo and behold, she did look somewhat larger.. and definitely larger in photos in the next morning's papers. I am quite convinced that she doesn't photograph well; but I would like to think that the media were not doing any photoshopping!

[@erynlasgalen1949]

I'm sure it didn't help that she was often 'standing' beside someone with an eating disorder. Pressure for women to be thin was vicious back then.

[@kappy-nf6uh]

Photos could still be manipulated back then but not as sophisticated as it is today. There were still a lot of darkroom techniques that could alter the image especially making someone look slightly bigger.

[@AlexandraK1]

It still is, I feel ...@@erynlasgalen1949

[@karenkratzer7036]

They had to say stuff about her because they LOVED Diana.

[@belinhell]

Wow how fun and interesting- thanks for sharing your experiences , much appreciated 👍

[@argosz8046]

A bit of gossip. Sarah was so chaotic in her personality - you are correct, Shauna, that she acted first and was remorseful later - she admitted that her domestic capabilities were so challenged once living alone without all the servants, that Beatrice and Eugenie's clothes were in such a state that Fergie couldn't cope with dressing them until someone organized the drawers with labels on the outside - White shirts, blue shirts, socks, underwear, dresses etc.

[@GeorginaDent-Jefferies]

Probably explains why both of them had zero dress sense

[@renekirebornrenekireborn4777]

I miss Queen Elizabeth, there truly was no one like her. You look really gorgeous today Shauna! That deep blue is for you!

[@kimberlyelliott7933]

I miss the late Queen as well...😢

[@elizabethcloutman8913]

Oh, I miss the Queen, as well. While I am an American, she was a part of my life experience for 70 years. Since the queen and I shared the same first name, my mom told me, then not yet in elementary school, about the Queen’s coronation and even bought me a lovely little doll dressed in a gown, tiara and stole similar to the Queen’s coronation outfit. Also I am just a couple of years older than King Charles so, as we both were growing up, I I felt a connection to him, as well. I think I feel especially sad whenever I see videos or photos of the Queen smiling or laughing and joking when out on her visits with her fellow Britons. It happens to me every single time. I can only imagine how much harder it must be for the Queen’s subjects.

[@irenedebruyn2796]

Sarah and the toe sucking saga gave everyone a good laugh. "Financial Advisor" also took on a whole new meaning. It did a lot for the usual image of accountants!

[@jennyhacking1289]

I have realises you could recap the phone book and I would still tune in. Always insightful, fair and unbiased.

[@whatsinaname3561]

😂so true. I wish the episodes were longer. I could listen to Shauna all day 🎉🎉

[@dawnjohnson5937]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 THAT IS SOOO TRUE!!!

[@jenniferhaight1077]

I agree completely!

[@siobhanwilliamson7526]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 so funny, so true, me too

[@fibanocci314]

"Oh, that's an interesting name, isn't it? [Hilarious story about the person with the most interesting name that she ever met]. Anyway. Sip!"

[@VKing-di9lo]

I doubt the children had their breakfast with the adults so would not be part of this paper reading. They would have theirs in the nursery, so would not be included in the newspaper reading over toast and marmalade.

[@thevintageread]

Yes good point… I was thinking their teen years, not at this time 😊

[@naomania3619]

​@@thevintagereadthe monarch is head of state and as such must keep abreast in current affairs and the mood of the nation. All the major newspapers will be delivered daily, broadsheet and tabloid alike. Back in the day when newspapers were still a thing I took a single broadsheet but I read it on my own, my children had absolutely no interest in reading the papers and I was selective in the sections I read. I have little interest in sport or motoring so those sections remained unread. I liked the arts and property sections. The king gave his son very sensible advice. If said son chose to ignore it he is responsible for his own misery

[@merrywalsh2809]

Sarah is quite the character. She reminds me of a big, clumsy puppy: lovable, but you wonder what mischief she will get into next.

[@Tasmaniantiger8]

Shauna - this has nothing to do with Fergie... she should come with a public health warning... but, there's a v good piece written by Tim Stanley in today's Daily Telegraph - UK broadsheet- called 'The Princess of Wales is Too Good for Mean Spirited Little Britain' . I don't do social media and can't send you the link. I'd cut and paste if I could. Dated 17.3.24. Hope you can track it down. 😊

[@kerryperry4819]

Good morning, everyone! Thank you, Shauna; another great episode, and I'm looking forward to continuing reviews!

[@thevintageread]

Every Monday night for this one! 😊💕

[@369blueneptune]

This makes a treat of Monday evenings!🎉

[@tonyspain2]

Shauna, we were living in Spain when this story broke. Our friends were horrified by the intrusion of her privacy. I remember all the paper showing how private the villa was and the lengths the photographer must have gone to in order to take the picture. People in the bar were horrified that this could occur.

[@mflow6485]

Well I don't think she was sorry for the soe tucking but she was sorry it had been photographed and that she had hurt/embarrassed the Queen.

[@suemcdermott2947]

Ooh wow she was brave to show her face when she apologised to each person. I would have fled.

[@lisalivingston6473]

Fergie acted so recklessly with John Bryan. I'll never understand what she was thinking, and it was just her luck to be visiting Balmoral when the scandal hit the newspapers - awkward! I will never forget how upset she looked while boarding a flight back to London with her young daughters. I bet she was happy to escape the royal family's ire, especially Prince Phillip - yikes!

[@edronc2007]

You DID watch the video, didn't you? She said that Prince Philip was gracious to her.

[@karenkratzer7036]

I saw the pictures of her boarding the plane I was inder the impression or heard it was the day the newspaper came out with the photos.

[@lisalivingston6473]

@@karenkratzer7036 Yes, that was my understanding, too. It would have been awkward to stay after that. Her girls were so young at the time, but they still must have sensed that something serious had happened.

[@lisalivingston6473]

@@edronc2007 I watched the video. I remember Fergie said the Queen was always gracious and later forgiving. Prince Phillip, however, could never stand the sight of her after the scandal.

[@cindyknudson2715]

​@@lisalivingston6473 Where did you learn it? From the tabloids? They'd never lie to you. Never create drama to sell more.

[@trish2256]

Im enjoying this book. You make it so enjoyable to watch. ❤

[@thevintageread]

Oh thank you!

[@littleannie390]

I think the trouble was that it was seen as ok for members of the family to misbehave in private, providing it was kept quiet, both Diana and Fergie broke this unwritten rule. Fergie didn’t have much sense or subtlety and in the end Diana just didn’t care. The funny thing is Anne also had the affair with her now husband and that all came out after the stolen letters, but for some reason that was never really as big a scandal.

[@janeknight3597]

Yes! Only regretful when caught. Sad but true.

[@whatsinaname3561]

Aren't most people? We don't know whether she regretted it before it came out. But if we are totally honest, most of us want to get away with embarrassing moments without anyone knowing. I don't see anything unusual about that. Also, Sarah as a young bride was alone for long periods of time while Andrew was at sea. I would battle in those circumstances as a newly married woman (a young one at that and with 2 small children). I don't think the royals were too welcoming. Remember that by the they had already had a few years of Diana drama too. Fergie most likely battled to fit in and feel accepted and at home

[@Sassie1]

I've always wondered about Di & Sarah's "friendship" too - so much about Fergie was released while Di's 'flings' seemed to be overlooked for so long. Did Sara have bad judgement - yes. At the same time it seemed that she was always targeted. It's a shame that all those photos had to be published as they were when she & Andrew were 'on a break' but talking about reuniting. I do believe she grew from this though and the fact that she and Andrew are still on good terms speaks more than anything.ove the way you review Shauna - looking forward to the next chapter!

[@susanlucas6642]

My favourite part of the. Day is when I can make a cup of tea, pullout the recliner and settle down with a chapter of one of your books. It’s like an afternoon with my girlfriends. What a treat. Sip.

[@margaretmorris672]

Listening to this in a cold damp England . Love your interpretation of Sarah, I do oscillate between feeling very sorry for her and thinking what the heck did you think was going to happen? You have to admire her for staying those three daysľ can’t wait for the next time and chapter one Thank you 🫂

[@thevintageread]

I oscillate too!

[@karenkratzer7036]

Me too! What were you thinking Sarah? And I also feel sorry for her to a point.

[@lornaackerman7022]

Oh wow what a thought about Wendy! It would explain why she was out with Charles! If so, Diana did her dirty!

[@KeiPalace]

I'll never forget Diana's parting gift of an enamel box because Charles gave Wendy a silver box, good grief.

[@ddez8278]

It would make sense. Admittedly, Diana was not without her faults, and I’m sure very jealous of Sarah’s ability to get on with the entire family. What’s the saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Perhaps more like frenemies from Diana’s perspective. If so, yes, Diana did her dirty.

[@alexg5981]

I think there might be some truth to it

[@avm9647]

Back in the day most Brits at least knew Sarah’s background which made her behaviour more surprising but as lady C said the aristos and the lower classes had much in common. Bawdy comes to mind 😂😂

[@OzzieJayne]

Sarah and Diana were 4th cousins. Now, Diana was the architect of the Camillagate tape, the Squidgy tape was supposed to have been released in retaliation, but what if it was used to take the heat off Sarah, instead? Or payback for Sarah if they knew Diana was behind the photos? 🤔

[@SharonSeaver]

Good morning, Shauna 😊 I am really enjoying all of the books. Thank you for your time ❤

[@sr8377]

Regarding having the papers delivered to read over breakfast - a lot of folks do. When I worked on the Hill I had 4 newspapers delivered to the office so I had morning coffee there. I could read them in peace prior to starting work. A common suburb stereotype is someone at their front door in the bathrobe picking up the paper that had been delivered.

[@silvercrowsong]

I remember this part of Royal history vividly. I was young, in college and visiting my Grandma Maggie. Maggie only had an 8th grade education but adore The Enquirer and People magazine. Going to her place on Easter, she had reserved ALL the American tabloids with the pictures. She was wild woman in her own right so her disgust was more that Fergie got caught😉👑

[@thevintageread]

😂💕

[@francoisehugonet7068]

Thank you for this reading, I would never have considered reading this book, but you made me hooked.

[@colleenschaffer1889]

Regarding the tabloids at breakfast. There aren't really comments, just stories that the family needs to keep up with to have their pulse on their countryman. Current times are much different with social media So KC3 saying don't read the comments is sound advice as personal comments are much different than a story printed in a paper.

[@karenandstevencornish2295]

We are all human and make mistakes throughout our lives, some just are more prone to it than others. Sarah even to this day probably gets a bit wayward but I always felt she had a kind heart and her trust in people was spontaneous without looking at the big picture which was her biggest problem in my opinion. Thank you Shauna for doing this review of Sarah’s book, can’t wait for Chapter 1 next week. 😊🇦🇺

[@Sandy-wr5jr]

Shauna I remember I purchased this book when it first came out and wanted to of course read all the gossipy bits. But I have to tell you I'm enjoying it much more now. Thank you!!!

[@thesubparty1]

Interesting thought on Wendy. I wonder if her profligate spending is what influenced Charles to tell Harry that “he couldn’t afford Meghan? She also seemed to think that marrying into the RF - to the spare, as well that doesn’t have the kind of bank account such as the Duchy of Cornwall - meant you had an unlimited pot of gold to spend. As opposed to you were signing up to be a well dressed ambassador for life.

[@fibanocci314]

I've always suspected she expected him to be wealthier than he was and was very disappointed; before and since Harry she has gone for guys that were wealthy and/or connected rather than famous (I figure she wants to be the most popular/famous one, but she wants to have money without having to work for it). Also that she had no idea what the realities of living in a very old castle were.

[@karenkratzer7036]

But Sarah was doing the work unlike Harry's wife. And I think she enjoyed meeting people. Sarah has a way with people.

[@RockingReader]

One of my many gripes with the last few seasons of the crown was the exclusion of the juice involving Fergie and Fergie and Diana's antics. I am their age, and I remember seeing how they both wanted to leave the royal family. When these photos came out, Fergie was done. Diana got cold feet because of the way Fergie's divorce was handled. Does anyone else remember that??

[@mweya3]

I don't quite understand this whole Newspaper saga. Brit children (when I was growing up there) had paper rounds at young ages; school projects were based on newspaper stories; practically the only thing on tv was News; at every turn children were encouraged to read newspapers. It was a way of broadening your education of world affairs. Harry grew up no differently to many other children with newspapers at the breakfast table. Given QEII was revered by many to be the most worldly knowledgeable person they knew, it would be obvious she would be required to have updated knowledge of what media was reporting to the people. Even my own hubby ('til the advent of news online) would read the paper at breakfast. As always, it appears H was egotistically making it all about him, no doubt encouraged by his mothers' melodrama.

[@fibanocci314]

I think the issue stems from the distinction between "newspapers" and "tabloids." Harry has demonstrated repeatedly that he can't tell the difference (honestly not sure he differentiates between comments on social media and actual news either). I have no idea if Fergie knows the difference either. So I'm not sure if they were reading newspapers at breakfast (perfectly normal, as you said) or tabloid gossip rags, which do not have the same level of integrity or relationship to what the general public thinks and would be damaging to someone growing up in that environment. I would really like to know which the family had laid out every morning.

[@mweya3]

@@fibanocci314 As you say. Can't imagine QEII allowing "Tabloids at the Table" 😀

[@Querencia7779]

Sarah acts out from a place of deep trauma, denial, and self-sabotaging. She’s an excellent example (sadly,) of how terrible parents impact their children’s lives.

[@raffaellavitiello1762]

I remember well thoses days, the woman's magazines here in Australia was full of the stories of Diana and Fergy, and l could not understand how unwise thoses two were. I uses to feel so sorry for the Queen. I cannot wait for the following video. A week is so long, and l enjoye so much those chats Shauna thankyou❤

[@gailstewart825]

Wow - you look fabulous today. Loving this book! Thank you for great videos. 🥰

[@marjorie619]

I belonged to Weight Watchers in Buffalo NY many years ago and Fergie gave a talk to our group.

[@LynxSouth]

Please tell us, how was she? Haughty, friendly, loud, inspiring, down to earth ...?

[@allthatfluffnstuffQLDaustralia]

Oh I am so loving the white shelves background White gives the pop but I know you and others are loving the darker better quality bookshelves but I am here living it 😂

[@trussell9899]

I like both....do you still have the white shelves too, Shauna? Or did you switch them out altogether? I love how you have different "settings" for your content.

[@fibanocci314]

@trussell9899 I suspect this was filmed before the shelves were switched, but edited later for the scheduled Monday release. Possibly filmed at the same time as the first Fergie video?

[@anneballantyne3766]

Totally enjoying your Book review of Sarah’s book, which I never would have bought. 😊Thank you .

[@viviennehayes2856]

I bet the photographer, whoever it was, did it for the money. I remember that some school girls were paid $125,000 for a very grainy shot of Sarah getting out of a helicopter (or plane) when she was visiting someone. At the time I thought 'this is going far too far'. A short time later Diana was killed in the accident. These days we might not see a connection with the media so much, but back then it certainly seemed so.

[@sheilathompson1026]

No toes sucking in the Cinderella I saw either😂 Fergies clutching at straws….well you would wouldn’t you? 😂 I know I would. I don’t think I could ever have appeared in public again if I was her. I would be mortified I would definitely run away before the Queen got up. Sarah is definitely a survivor. I didn’t think I would enjoy this but I am. Your reviews are fabulous, just like you x

[@sheilathompson1026]

PS or foot kissing 😂😂

[@Fayebythelight]

You are an excellent storyteller yourself sauna, I can't wait the next chapter.

[@ceciliaM17256]

I wish you would have reviewed Tom bowers book, maybe next time. Or lady C book

[@anitahood196]

Maybe google Cheere Denise she's done both.

[@cherylanne4390]

I hope you read "A Very Private School" by Charles Spencer. It really gave me an insight in how the aristocracy school their children, especially boys. How their childhood (Charles Spencer and Diana) was affected at Althorpe, how the then Prince Charles's own schooling at Gordonstoun may have affected him (he hated it) and why the meeting of those two young adults (Charles and Diana) in my opinion was such a disaster.

[@ChelleDavidson-th5sl]

@cherylanne4390 I haven't read Earl Spencer's new book yet but since you mentioned their Althorpe upbringing I have 2 points.... 1 Diana was not raised at Althorpe. She was raised at Park House literally right next door to Sandringham until she was 14 when her father inherited Althorpe. By that time Diana was away at boarding school 9 months oh the year. She and Charles alternated summer and school breaks with both divorced parents. She had moved to London before her 18th birthday. So in reality Diana only spent a few weeks a year from age 14 to 17 and a half at Althorpe. Secondly, how do we explain the older Spencer sisters being so 'normal' and the younger ones, Diana and Charles being soooo messed up?

[@cherylanne4390]

@@ChelleDavidson-th5sl If you can watch "A Talk with Charles Spencer" with Julia Samuel MBE (Princess Diana's close friend). Charles Spencer explains their story in his own words.

[@LynxSouth]

@@ChelleDavidson-th5sl Didn't Diana's sister Sarah have anorexia? Plus, not only were they older, their lives haven't been scrutinized to anywhere near the same degree as Diana's, or even Charles's.

[@jackidosen1791]

🇦🇺🖐.Hi Shauna .The life of the Royal Family will always be intriguing to us??And Continues in 2024,now we have mags and henry 😅😅.Weird imo.

[@KeiPalace]

Back then no camera phones, more difficult to hide a camera, I bet Sarah knows exactly who took the pictures, just from the angle. Weren't the girls (the Princesses) there with Sarah at the time? I thought there was a story last year about it.

[@fibanocci314]

I think Shauna mentioned the girls coming along on the first Fergie video.

[@countessAugusta]

Cant wait for the next episode. What a hoot...breakfast at balmoral with THOSE pictures scattered amongst the toast crumbs😂😂😂😂😂

[@thevintageread]

😂💗👏

[@countessAugusta]

Id love to have been a fly on the wall😮😂😂

[@adneenmourin7359]

Shauna, I'm personally more interested in the way in which you do the storytelling rather than Fergie's book. So, I'm here and will be here every week for that excellent storytelling skill.❤

[@avissmith8384]

I always thought Fergjie had to leave straight away!! Interesting lives! Enjoying the read Shauna thank you❤

[@joannelowe1623]

All I can picture is the Royal mad scramble downstairs to grab the papers off the hall table. 😂 So, Diana wasn't the only one "hounded by the paps"! As I said previously, Di and Sarah were always sold as a package. They were so different, and Sarah definitely received the worst of it to take the heat off Diana's mess. No pap photos of her and Hewitt or Gilby.....hmmmm 🤔

[@angelabinns5726]

❤ Again brilliant, I really enjoy these, you are brilliant Shauna, thank you ❤

[@thevintageread]

Thanks so much 😊

[@judywilliamson2068]

You know, I have to respect Andrew for sticking up for her. Before giving her some support, most men would’ve washed their hands of her upon seeing the pictures.

[@lisejacquelinerigault2575]

He truly loved her even if out of being in love.

[@graphiquejack]

Their relationship is bizarre. Maybe it’s love, but it feels more like some sort of buddy film where they are ride or die for each other because they know there’s no one else who likes them,

[@GeorginaDent-Jefferies]

Co dependant

[@countessAugusta]

I tbhink if Wendy Berry had been in on Diana s efforts to get dirt on Fergie, Wendy would have mentioned it in her book. After all, she didnt hang back and was pretty good at sniffing out gossip all by herself for her own book

[@sarahevans1091]

That was such a teaser I wanted to hear the first chapter!

[@jackiegould1569]

For me Sarah was there and then she wasnt. Raising a family etc around that time the Royals were just people in the background that had always been there so I have never really known anything about her or what exactly happened so this is fascinating for me. Just like with the Housekeepers book. Finally after all these years I am catching up with it all!

[@josephsgroi4474]

Not really a royal watcher but I love your readings, analysis and commentary.

[@didee5647]

Thank you Shauna, the memoir reading is very interesting. The Housekeepers Diary was quite moving - your examination of the family dynamics most insightful. Thank you. (not quite so fond of the gossip before bed, not my personal taste. Love the snarky snippet.)

[@rhondahayward]

Thank you for your review I really enjoyed listening . BTW it was very refreshing to move away from M&H. IMO conversations need to move away from them we have all had enough ! Time proves everything and Sarah has proven herself to be a loyal person .

[@GeorginaDent-Jefferies]

How so? Erm didn’t she sell stories about Andrew and sell access to him to pay her huge debts it’s her that got him involved with JE

[@trussell9899]

LOVE THIS!!! So excited! ❤

[@CdnCathy]

I think Diana was a little insecure and at first yes loved having Fergie into the fold as a ally...but as being the new flavour getting the attention...would not surprise me if she leaked stories to the press to take a little shine off of her....

[@fabulousnewt770]

Lady C said it was Diana. Just read the real Diana and am listening to Cheere Denise review and am released to hear from her that she also can't believe what a nasty vindictive piece of work she was. Appalling woman. Just glad I never idolised her as its a real shock.

[@kimberlimesser5828]

Looking foward to what's to come!

[@lunapachamama915]

Hello Shauna, another great delivery! I have a little insight from a long time ago as I went to the same school as Fergie - she was known by that name then too. Although I didn’t know her personally, as she’d left the term before I arrived, she had been head girl and was held in such affection by everyone. Definitely a larger than life character, full of fun and kindness too, which must have stood her in good stead over the years with all the shenanigans she’s ended up involved with. You are right to point out her pedigree. Interestingly though our school was a very small private school, not a top tier like Marlborough College where Catherine went. I appreciate being private there was an element of privilege, but it was really small, less than 200 of us, and was unpretentious, very homely and safe. Not highly academic either as it was focused on the arts so we could have ballet and drama classes in between say, biology and french. Heaven 💫😄. Sadly no longer exists, but her reputation certainly survived there for quite a while, and it was glowing.

[@PattyfmPhilly]

Hiya Shauna ~ Thanks for this one! I remember the pictures, quite clearly. There’s one bit I can’t reconcile. They were at a pool & her 2 girls were right there! I promise, I don’t mean to be judgmental! I hate that I remember it. The rest of the book should be fun….her life is a real rollercoaster! She must have 9 lives!😁 Thanks, again!!

[@MeMyselfAndEyeTeeth]

Yeah, that's what did it for me at the time. I still remember a photo of a little Bea or Eug, standing there watching them kiss. It was utterly beyond the pale imo, and still is. I'm no prude, but simply _cannot_ imagine carrying on a fling with one of my children present - dear Lord, the confusion that baby must've felt!😳😔💔

[@dianakent8393]

Yes the two young girls were in the photos, Bryant was throwing one of them up and down in the air .I remember the photos very well .I think Fergie was very lonely .

[@nancythomas2193]

Shauna, I've been a bit hesitant to begin the new book review as I had enjoyed A Housekeeper's Diary immensely and just wanted to savour it a bit longer. I'm all dug in now on Sarah's story, binge watching, getting caught up. Not diagnosing Sarah but she reminds me of someone who has ADHD; they really struggle with impulse control. Off to episode 3 now and then I'll be up to date.

[@thevintageread]

Great! No 4 This Monday night 😊

[@SusanField-qf7ku]

So excited, i went to my used bookstore and got both Kitty Kelley's book and fergies book. Turns out i bought the wrong Fergie book🙁. Oh well. Loving your content and i will follow along with The Royals.

[@thevintageread]

Oh no! Try and swap it for another book! 😂

[@suzanking5625]

"Did the Prince kiss Cinderella's foot ?" Well, the slipper DID fit !

[@alexwyler4570]

I bought the housekeeper's diary. It's not fun to read without your snarky snippets! I enjoy reading books on Royals with " The Vintage Read Show " community. You make folding laundry or doing the dishes super fun, oyu make it feel like we are at court in 1700 gossiping about the Royals. hihi :-)

[@hallelujah969]

King David was genuinely remorseful after he had his great sin brought to him by the prophet. He was still severely punished though.

[@Wildflowers516]

Shauna love the top you have on , looks so nice on you ❤ wow good thought on Wendy ….

[@pomme800]

This is a Cheese Toastie/Grilled Cheese kind of series. 🧀🍞..just can't get enough! Did not think I would enjoy it as much as I do❣️...lot of it due to your excellent narration Shauna xxx

[@thevintageread]

It is! 😂💕

[@micheletorimaru9348]

I love Fergie Warts and all. I woulove to know how. many People who listen to you Shauna. Who have got Alot of Skellitions in there Wardrobes. I enjoy all your Content about the Royal Family. You are very Funny Witty and a Hoot. Keep them coming. Love your Channel. SIP. ❤😅 .

[@lynnetteross995]

I read Sarah's first historic Novel, then discovered shortly after finishing that book, many of the characters she wrote about, she was descended from them. It was fascinating to link the information.

[@Nana_InCanada]

I'm not a Sarah fan, but I enjoyed listening to this video. I sense an undertone of poor me in this book so far. Maybe further chapters will prove me wrong. Thank you Shauna.

[@SH29824]

Excellent job I so appreciate your videos ❤

[@thevintageread]

Thank you so much!

[@RhondaSweet]

Oh I’m enjoying this so much more than I thought I would as I never warmed to Sarah (I still haven’t). I was a little sad when The Housekeepers Diary ended (it was so good) and this is the perfect replacement! It’s a joy to listen to you tell her story. Wonderful work 👏!!!

[@Shannoneffects1]

I can’t wait until the next chapter! I don’t think I know anything about her upbringing. This should be interesting!

[@annabee8476]

I love your videos. Hello from Texas 👋

[@thevintageread]

Hey, thanks! 😊💕

[@kathyblalock8078]

Good morning afternoon evening from the Florida Keys can't believe that she is back in the Monarchy she has done the most revealing back story

[@fibanocci314]

Maybe they're trying to stop her from joining forces with Harry?

[@Adele.N]

I just love how you change the books on your shelves, I also love the lamp shade. But you definitely need to replace the measly looking aloe plant. 😉 I also love this new book you are reading. Thank you.

[@robb2biago]

I always thought Sarah and Andrew would have stayed together, but the cards were stacked against her. Everyone still loved Andrew. The non grainy photos, the amount of pictures that were released. It was to take the heat of Diana and Charles. And there was no sew tucking in the Disney films.

[@belinhell]

Yes I’ll bet you are getting great feedback - your book reviews are great fun and informative!❤

[@angeliquehammond2996]

I’m surprised Prince Phillip was gracious towards Fergie, he is always portrayed as unforgiving. I didn’t follow Fergie-gate closely (I was a tween-ish?) but its pretty startling that the photos were not necessarily shot by tele- lense. Hmmm Thanks Shauna

[@FAM-5214]

I think that might be the polo pony connection. He would have known Sarah as she was growing up. She was the daughter of his polo manager, Ronnie Ferguson who led a colourful life.

[@angeliquehammond2996]

@@FAM-5214 interesting! I need to research.

[@FAM-5214]

@@angeliquehammond2996 He did however go off her later.

[@krishnavyas313]

​@@angeliquehammond2996 there were rumours that in mid 60's prince philip had affair with sarah Ferguson's mother

[@karenkratzer7036]

Wow. Didn't know that Prince Andrew was there at Balmoral. I would never have been that calm about it. And I wasn't when I found out my husband cheated and I saw photos and videos. Who knows what my 15 and 12 year old saw. But I guess he was able to forgive her.

[@juliannek3134]

Wonderful episode. I really look forward to all your shows.

[@N_for_Nellie]

Maybe the Royal family read the tabloids to keep in touch with the issues the country was reading about. There were more pages in the papers than just those with the royals. I like to think of an opposite option while I'm listening to try and keep an open mind :)

[@avm9647]

I think Sarah realised like M and H that she had given up a very prestigious life and just wanted it all back.

[@pamelaq8028]

Ooooooohh!!! Can’t wait till next week!!! Loved your channel!!!

[@debrasellers1570]

I’m really enjoying the book review, thank you

[@MackinacMi]

THEY'RE OFF THE ROYAL WEBSITE!!!

[@highmyope-ps2by]

The Sharkles?

[@jameydupuy9280]

I just found your channel and am loving your book reviews! These longer more in depth reviews. I wish you had more loaded up here. I'd love to hear your in depth reviews on the related books Courtiers, Revenge, H&M, etc. I know you have some shorter ones but love these like this one and The housekeepers Diary! Great! Thank you so much. I have even re-listened as I've fallen asleep! 😂😂at least it will help the algorithm! 😂😂😂❤

[@cindybeckett5045]

I purchased and read both this book and Kitty Kelley’s Royal Secrets back when they originally came out. I’m enjoying going through them again with you! ❤️👍🏻

[@thevintageread]

Wonderful!

[@roseharvey2664]

I don't think the word Sarah was using the word Sheriff for the benefit of US readers. The English and Welsh system used Sheriffs to enforce high court writs, similar to bailiffs, but they had greater powers (up to 2024). Seemingly they are more ceremonial now. In Scotland they are more part of the judiciary.... i think. I am not an expert on this, but do recall the word being used commonly in England when i lived there.

[@thevintageread]

Interesting, thank you 😊

[@kirajo5925]

Love your coverage. I read this book when it was published, but I am really enjoying your coverage.

[@maggierayner9408]

🇨🇦 A hard subject to stay interested in but will give it a go. Seared in memory is the video of a podgy S sitting on a couch offering any and all info on the Royal Family in exchange for $. I shudder as well at the Housekeeper’s Diary revealing S came for a weekend visit at Hygrove with a suitcase of dirty clothes and greyed underwear.

[@darcymccattipus908]

Sarah was, allegedly, known for rolling up to royal residences with cases of dirty clothes and for being high handed with the staff. Her and Andrew both appear to have a great sense of their own importance. IMO Sarah is the original royal grifter, pretty sure I read somewhere that she stressed to Meghan to never let go of the title and use it all the time. Tom Bower book I think.

[@maggierayner9408]

It occurs to me how well-suited Sarah and Andrew were/are. Both equally lying grifters. Rictus grin said she didn’t know Sarah-another one of rictus grin’s “Ripplies Believe it or not.”

[@jennywilliams9594]

Thank you so much for helping me to improve on my reading pleasure! I have always loved reading but you have shown me how to read with consideration and deeper understanding.