Sarah Was Going WELL! On The Surface…

Welcome to episode 8 of "Sarah, The Duchess Of York, My Story" book review series produced by The Vintage Read Show.
In this 8th episode, we see Sarah trying to be the best Duchess that ever lived! She said "yes" to everything and was frantically trying to be all things to all people...
Desperately lonely and unsure, we can see a disaster slowly unfolding, and it was only a matter of time before she cracked!
I will be reviewing Sarah Ferguson's book in detail every Monday AEST time
See you in the comments!
Shauna x
#sarahferguson #bookreview #sarahmystory 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...
⭐️The Housekeeper's Diary By Wendy Berry - Book Review Series • The Housekeeper's Diar...
⭐️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...

[@thomasinavolkman4456]

I find it interesting that all these royal wives Diana, Fergie and even Markle don't have strong mother figures in their lives.

[@KatherineSpinks-cu9io]

Interesting observation!

[@krishnavyas313]

Catherine, sophie, and camila all have good childhood and good relationships with both their parents.

[@elkadosh4726]

I don't think it's an accident from the RF who is "picked" for royal marriage. Must be compliant, well mannered and follow the rule book. Unfortunately these wives needed alot of support & love (Markle excluded she's the biggest problem) but proper English gals really struggle with royal lack of love.

[@reneej7594]

@@krishnavyas313and they don’t have the same struggles it seems.

[@krishnavyas313]

@@reneej7594 I didn't understand your comment. Can you explain please. Thanks 😊

[@cameliawilks2049]

Fergie may have had her faults (who doesn’t?) but compared to Meghan, she’s a choir girl.

[@Kari_B61ex]

I was a serviceman's wife and like Sarah one year we only spent 42 days together - he was off in war zones, which was a massive worry. We had a young daughter and I also worked so it was full on. Servicemen's wives just get used to it and get on with it.

[@juliehilton1701]

I think everyone just gets on with it to be honest, not just service people, working full time and raising kids is a job and half for anyone 😂

[@dominaevillae28]

@Kari_B61ex You have a point about what it’s like to be a military spouse, I’ve thought of it in relation to Fergie myself, but I think that being scrutinized around the world in everything you say, do, wear, and look like puts it on another level. Charles proposed to several girlfriends before he found one who was willing to be a royal wife, and that was because she intended to do things her own way instead of the royal way.

[@stephenluke2347]

My wife and I were married in the 1950's when I was in the army and serving in the middle east, ( so I came home for a month for the wedding ). I was expecting to move when I got back to camp and she would join me there, BUT THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN. Instead I was moved even further away and we were separated for the first 18 months, but we got through it and are still happily together 64yrs later.

[@alidabotes6264]

I admire you. Thanks for your contributions.

[@krishnavyas313]

​@@dominaevillae28 in 70's whenever a girl was seen with charles, midea would scrutinized every thing she did, her looks, her clothes, her manners and they would digg up girl's past and published it to the world, midea would follow them 24/7 they didn't get any security that's why many girls break up.

[@RosieES8288]

Hi Shauna great show with Taz - enjoying al the book reviews 🌹🌹

[@Mum.Grandma.Greatgrandma]

Oh yes, Ma'am, rhyming with ham or should we become more topical and rhyme it with 'jam?' 😂😂😂😂

[@louesparza8003]

Just think of all the words that have new meaning for us or that trigger us since Megsit. Jam, bench, authentic and organic, bump, etc., as well as new words and phrases that have special meanings such as being markled or carparking.

[@OG_Bearcat]

I see what you did there 😂😂

[@Mum.Grandma.Greatgrandma]

@louesparza8003 Absolutely. So many words in her word salad 😂

[@marguerite9605]

😂😂😂

[@patdixon-lj7qs]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@pamelacox540]

I was a “Navy wife”. As a young mother in my early 20s I would have given anything to have my husband home every weekend. He was at sea for months at a time. I missed him terribly but lived the best life I could without nannies or “staff”. I didn’t consider myself especially tough or resilient but I did great compared to Fergie.

[@krishnavyas313]

Nobody was scrutinizing your every move, you weren't living with your in laws, you weren't living with many men in grey suit who were snobbish to you and were trying to find fault in your every move, you weren't being called duchess of pork because after delivery you had gain weight, no one was constantly comparing your looks and fashion to your much more beautiful and fashionable sister in law and calling you names.

[@pamelacox540]

@@krishnavyas313 Maybe don’t assume I was living surrounded by loving people. And nannies and staff would have been helpful on commissary trips with a newborn.

[@krishnavyas313]

@@pamelacox540 I never said you were surrounded by loving people but whole world wasn't mocking you for your looks, news papers weren't calling you Duchess of pork. You wasn't subject of mocking for national midea. Staff weren't snobbish to you because you weren't aristocrat enough. She wasn't just sitting around whole day she was also working I'm single mother of 2 children. My husband has long passed away when my children were 2 and 5 years old. I haven't date any body and I'm taking care of my children all alone without any help from nannies or staff.

[@nicoletteralfe733]

Well done ! Navy wives - like army wives, need to be tough🙂

[@NiniM8154]

And Sarah never had to worry about money, or the car breaking down, or any of the other annoyances of real life. Her husband was away, yes, and she was lonely. But I agree, her "poor little me" is annoying.

[@celinescully4973]

Really enjoy your show none of that fighting between KZbinrs and you are hilarious

[@louesparza8003]

Yes. Very kind in phrasing and upbeat. The world needs more of this. Thank you.

[@nancyjay790]

My own mother-in-law (a somewhat elegant, slender woman who didn't understand why her British son had to choose an American to marry) asked me to call her "Mother", but I have always been very reserved with people, and nobody in the family called her that or referred to her as that, so I mostly spoke to her without any reference (name or relationship). Weirdly, her other daughters-in-law (my husband is the youngest of three sons) all seemed to believe she felt closest to me and most approved of me by the end. Given how many times she seemed unhappy with food I cooked for her and little remarks about choices parenting our own kids, I didn't feel approval. Not criticised as such, but I don't think she thought I made the choices she would.

[@Polopony]

Sorry, but 'fiercely private' people don't write memoirs like this, they don't marry princes in the wake of Diana without realising that they too will become one of the most photographed women in the world, they don't give endless soul-baring interviews (as Fergie did post-divorce) about their inner turmoil. And she pretends to not care about the luxury 'trappings' of royal life, but if that were true, how did she come to get into such huge levels of debt that oligarchs had to bail her out? And perhaps with a little research she ought to have foreseen how many (or few) days she was likely to be spending with her new husband, yet she presents it coming as a huge surprise. So much of what she says here simply doesn't add up, and there is a disturbing underlying flavour of 'poor little heroic me' throughout, which just doesn't feel trustworthy.

[@carolynhague7199]

Ooo harsh. To bé fair though, it wasn't in thé wake of Diana, it was thé same time

[@369blueneptune]

ANEN! Fergie is full of it.

[@barbraluce5706]

I read the book when it came out. Fergie just never seemed in the book to take responsibility... Very annoying

[@lisa408t]

Agree

[@mandylou6306]

I certainly have no recollection of Fergie doing loads Royal engagements!

[@vickislominski7618]

I can't help but think, "Oh, boo bloody hoo." 😂

[@robb2biago]

When I imagine Sarah, she seems like a big golden retriever. Happy, energetic, joyful. But then in the rain, or snow, it’s like the craziest personality change happens. Our dogs were outdoor dogs, but you could just feel the need for attention. Man, 200 shoes?! I’d love 100. That’s a big closet.

[@AlexandraK1]

It sounds a bit excessive to me ...

[@robb2biago]

@@AlexandraK1 you can only wear 2 at a time.

[@AlexandraK1]

@@robb2biago Yes ...

[@user-tt3jb2do8m]

😂 🐕

[@NiniM8154]

I love how Anne, Catherine, and Sophie wear their clothes numerous times. They always look lovely, and relatable.

[@MargaretM-vd7bb]

Hi Shauna, enjoyed the review , I feel sorry for the Royal family sometimes, I think they get a bad wrap. Sometimes these woman that married into it need to take some Responsibility for why it went wrong. Fergie and Megan were mature women, they had been around the blocks. Diana was a very troubled girl when she came into the family. Even if Charles hadn’t had Camilla I think it still would have ended the same way. I don’t think Sarah was as committed to her marriage as you should be, because cheating is a choice. J M O. Thankyou for a great night. Look forward to the next chapter.❤️🌻

[@Diovanlestat]

I keep wondering how much of this true and how much is self promotion. Sarah the kind, the fat, the unwanted, the lonely.... "woe is me, I'm just so kind" makes this a hard read. Much prefered the Sarah of the Housekeepers Diary, suitcase full of grimy underware for someone else to take care off. At least that seemed like a normal flawed human. 🤔

[@Polopony]

I'm not buying this sob story at all. She's taking no personal responsibility for any of it, is she? She's just a well meaning outsider doing her best to please everyone while all the meanies make fun of her and let her down. The fact is that she herself came from an incredibly privileged background and could, or should, have known exactly what she was letting herself in for getting involved with the RF. Lots of people have equally distant or difficult parental relationships with loss and/or bereavement as her, but without her material, educational and social advantages. Unlike Diana, who at least had the excuse of extreme youth and immaturity when she entered the RF, Fergie was nearly 27 when she married Andrew, plenty old enough to have worked out what she was about.

[@eileensecrest2185]

If Sarah was busy, she would miss Andrew less. And if she was too busy, well, she controlled her schedule. All problems of her own making. She had servants, but couldnt think of anyone to greet guests at the door? I worked for a small firm but I had staff that could do that. I feel little sympathy here.

[@dawnjohnson5937]

But she was busy - Shauna read out her schedule. It's possible to ache for someone even when you're busy. I would like to think I'd have overcome any reluctance to put staff out, and had loads of friends and family over - a few at a time - for dinner, films, book clubs, sleepovers, dancing, etc... But I can't imagine hubbie being away for months at a time. That's brutal.

[@viviennehayes2856]

I remember that after they were married, regularly about once a month, the TV news would have a news bulletin about their latest holiday - in an exotic place. I got the impression that they took an awful lot of holidays.

[@beverleightodd5710]

Princess Anne can still fit into clothes she had 40 years ago.

[@HelenBlack-sn7ke]

There was nothing to stop Sarah saying to her PA "no need to courtesy if it's just you and me." I agree about her being self absorb, so far, everything appears to be a problem,

[@leslieconlon2070]

There's something that doesnt feel completely honest with the self-deprecation...

[@jleechadwick]

Being away for a few months is better than having your husband in a war zone for 1 year. My dad was away for a year during the war in Vietnam. Usually, during the war in Vietnam, the men spent 2 weeks in Hawaii halfway through their tour and their wife gets to join him. Luckily, Dad got to actually come home, so we kids got to spend time with him too. Mom had a nightmare that she had a wad of gum in her mouth and couldn't get rid of it so that she could kiss Dad (they had quite the kiss). I know that it was hard to see him leave again, and, of course, it was harder on Mom.

[@Space_cadet0007]

Full of tales of woe for Sarah I’m sure it felt like her staff never got time off either even when they got home they were still on call. 😂

[@dominaevillae28]

Cycles of mania & depression sounds like bipolar disorder, not adhd.

[@valerieblouch5409]

Bingo! I was thinking the same thing!

[@Alexaklr]

That's was my thought too.

[@nicoletteralfe733]

I thought so too

[@callyg54]

Yes, that's correct. I have ADHD (and Aspergers) and that is not a symptom. But rather, a symptom of Bipolar, which my eldest daughter is diagnosed with.

[@margaretmorris672]

Shauna How sad it was for Jane that once she said goodbye to Sarah that she would be speaking to her within the hour! Bet she felt like taking Sarah home with her and getting her to unload the dishwasher 😂 . Not sure why but I had thought that Prince Philip disliked her from the beginning but sounds as though they were ok at the beginning. You brighten up my Monday lunchtimes 😊🍓🍓🍓

[@flyonthewall8122]

I don't know for sure, but I think Phillip was angered by the "Toe-gate" pictures. That's what I've always heard anyway. Maybe we'll find out soon.

[@janettesinclair6279]

@@flyonthewall8122 "Toe-gate" was surely later on? Was it before or after they separated?

[@nicoletteralfe733]

@@janettesinclair6279it was before they separated. Unfortunately 😕

[@flyonthewall8122]

@@nicoletteralfe733 Thank you. I couldn't remember.

[@itsmesam1967]

When I was married my husband would work away for 10+ days and come home for maybe 5. I loved watching his car exit our crescent, I was able to breath a sigh of relief. But of course, I was diff to Sarah, I didnt like my husband lol.

[@Alexaklr]

😄

[@madlenellul3430]

I hope you got counselling . 😪…. And a divorce!!!🥰

[@itsmesam1967]

@@madlenellul3430 yeah, got a divorce, no counselling 💜💜

[@pamelav4628]

Yes, very self-absorbed. If she turned that around to think of others, help others, would have been better for her. Though I know that is difficult for someone who is depressed or anxious.

[@gerrymarmee3054]

As a teacher, I had kids with ADHD. With guidance, they do fine. Sarah did not have that.

[@patconstantinou1846]

Not mumma, maMa! Get well soon, Sarah. 🙏

[@annmolloy8600]

Manic then depressive is bi-polar not ADHD.

[@margeryewing4137]

I believe that Princess Anne still wearing clothing that is 40 yrs old, incredible 👏 😊

[@RAHoff700]

Excellent delivery! You are a natural storyteller, Shauna. Thank you!

[@RockingReader]

Very Sad indeed. I liked the way Sarah really tried to go along!

[@avissmith8384]

I rather think Sarah's life was rather grim! Not all that glitters is gold. Made worse by mental health issues!❤

[@thevintageread]

Yes I agree! Rather grim.

[@Bonzo1ish]

Shauna, great book reviews, I think Sarah has done a great job, and still they live together...lol I also think Andrew has been shafted by the media, he never was found guilty, it was American propaganda in my opinion thx Shauna for your reviews xxx

[@thevintageread]

🤗💗

[@lisejacquelinerigault2575]

I agree regarding Andrew. How come other friends of Epstein like Clinton, Trump or Bill Gates got away scott free. He was set up.

[@user-tt3jb2do8m]

Think your missing the point. People are not angered by, did he, or did he not, as not proven, sleep with the young woman at the time, although why you would pay millions to a person you say, you've never met before. But that aside, it's that he went to visit, and spend with a then convicted you know what, henious crime person. Then arrogantly gave a disastrous interview to justify things. Which in his mind went well, after which, he would just carry on as before. How wrong, and oblivious he was. That's was he was shafted for, and not just the media. I didn't have an high opinion of, randy air mile's Andy before, with his dodgy financial dealings.

[@Bonzo1ish]

I don't usually get into conversation on any social media! But I have to add, my point about Andrew, he may be a privileged ponce, but the media went after him more than any other person associated with Epstein, most of the early friendship included Sarah as Andrews wife. They all associated together, that is my issue, he was singled out, because he is a Royal in my opinion. Shauna, again my friend, great content keep up the brilliant content xxx

[@user-tt3jb2do8m]

@@Bonzo1ish Well of course that the reason they went after him. He knows it, she know it, the media knows it. You go for the person who's going to draw the most attention to it. That's what gives you the best bargaining advantage, he wants no attention on it. That's why high profile people settle out of court, to make it go away,cas quickly as possible. The person gets the cheque, then goes away, to never speak of it again. But he visited a convicted person afterwards, with the worst reason for doing it. He put himself in an impossible position, and now he's paying for it. I say let that be a lesson, he's lucky he had the late Queen to bail him out.

[@juliehilton1701]

It’s blatantly obvious that a life without purpose, is no life at all, this is how Harry has grown up, and why Diana really struggled for the first few years until she developed her own charities/ patronages. We all need a job be it a brain surgeon or a dog walker, we need to be needed as a member of society. Poor Sarah, she had very defective parents if they didn’t tell her this first lesson in life 😢

[@lauraamundson769]

Diana's parents also didn't help her find a career or purpose.

[@jeannelipham2583]

Harry was taught by his mother, his father, his grandfather and grandmother, and great grandmother that his life would be one of service and duty. So, no, if he didn't have a purpose, it wasn't because he didn't understand, it was because he didn't care.

[@juliehilton1701]

@@jeannelipham2583 yes, that was my point but you put it better. He was supposed to crest a roll within the organisation for himself but didn’t… you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@celiastevenson8750]

I'm amazed they didn't have a married quarter or private hiring in Plymouth, like Wills and Kate in Anglesey. It's hard enough being a new wife without being separated as well. And the 42 days together was annual leave, weekends were not counted.

[@helenacuch9010]

I called my mother mama when i was young. Its very endearing and loving ❤️

[@flickingbollocks5542]

G'day Shauna. Here because of Taz 😁👍

[@krishnavyas313]

Diana also used call Queen mama and prince philip papa

[@inspiredsassy2330]

Whatever else you might think of Sarah she is a monarchist and did idolize the Queen and this was her new family around her and a huge bunch of strangers, some not wanting to help her. We are born 14 hours apart and are much alike in personality. Sarah is a pleaser and was insecure and very much a fish out of water. Remember to HMQE II was allowed a normal early marriage with Philip whereas Sarah had two pregnancies alone and dealt with trying to jump in and not fail the RF in public. She tried her best to be smiling and talkative to the public but returned home to emptiness. Elizabeth was able to run to Philip in Malta without her babies but Sarah was crucified for "chasing Andrew" to spend short periods with him. Don't you think Queen Elizabeth had sympathy that her son and daughter in law were cheated at a number of turns. How many other royal brides took lessons and earned a pilots license to try to understand and build rapport by understanding their husbands job! I am a supporter of her because she did give her all and when it fell apart she faced HMQE II humiliated and took a dressing down from the most important woman in the world..In her book she accepts her blame and didn't worm out of her responsibility, like St. Diana. I believe that is why HMQE II and Sarah continued to talk around Philip, the hard ass. She knew Sarah made mistakes but truly did try and that by not allowing Sarah and Andrew to live and bond early on it doomed the marriage.

[@hollylanevintagetreasures]

I'm really enjoying these videos about Sarah. Right now they are my favorite! Thanks so much for sharing it with us and your thoughts. It's been fun! Have a lovely week Shauna. ❤️ 😊

[@user-sl6dt1fh6e]

In The Crown, Diana called the Queen Mama.

[@sharonozvenom]

Sarah could have sneaked her friends into the palace via a car boot like Diana use to do with her man “friends”. 😂

[@Polopony]

Hopefully her friends had a little more dignity and self-respect that Diana's boyfriends apparently did...!

[@OG_Bearcat]

I’ve started watching your videos twice just to make sure I didn’t miss any tidbits. 😊

[@vericarauza5830]

Me too

[@jackiegould1569]

I remember your needy boss story 😂. It doesnt sound like either Diana or Sarah had any thought or regard for their staff. They were just there to be used rather than a real person with a life that is doing it to pay bills! I suppose thats what comes of being brought up with staff. That is something I will never know - unless, of course - I win the lottery. I often wonder if I would have been the same person if I had been born in to luxury. It would have been nice to find out 😂

[@karenvrieling2155]

Great review as always. 👍🏼

[@lindabeck7486]

Love your show. I'm From Minnesota❤

[@beverleightodd5710]

Don't forget her dresser Jane after leaving Sarah's employment then ended up murdering her boyfriend because he wouldn't marry her.

[@LeeDon76]

???

[@lisalivingston6473]

What a sad chapter indeed! Shauna, I had to laugh when you mentioned that Sarah's employee, Jane, was at home ironing when Sarah called to chat and asked what she was doing. It reminded me of that passage in The Housekeeper's Diary when Sarah was visiting High Grove and asked the housekeeper to iron her entire suitcase of clothing - LOL! Shauna, just curious if you would have any interest in reading a biography of Queen Mary of Denmark. I've always admired her friendship with Catherine, Princess of Wales, as well as being interested in how Mary Donaldson from Oz found herself married to a Prince and current King of Denmark. I don't expect you to delve into any salacious "Gossip Before Bed" about the current state of her marriage. I'm just curious to hear more about her early life, her first meeting and courtship with, at that time, Crown Prince Frederick, and her journey in not only moving to a foreign country, but learning the culture and language, as well as taking on royal duties as Princess Mary, now Queen of Denmark. She also has a beautiful family, which includes twins, and I'm sure Princess Catherine has learned from watching her raise her children in the spotlight of royalty, especially her 18-year-old son and heir to the throne, Crown Prince Christian of Denmark.

[@chookie4678]

Loved last night with Taz, Shauna. It was great. Am enjoying the book reviews you do. They are very enlightening. 🇦🇺🦘🐨❤️💐

[@thevintageread]

Glad you like them!

[@vericarauza5830]

Thanks Shauna, I'm really enjoying this review. Sarah's book, at least so far, shows that you can write your own biography without bashing RF. I was extremely disappointed in Harry's book Spare. How could he write about so many things that should really remain private? 😢

[@Wyz369]

He's not very bright .... according to his late mother.

[@toronto4640]

When King Charles refers to his mother he said, “my dear Mama” with the accent on the second syllable. Perhaps that would have been Sarah’s pronunciation rather than mama.

[@jacquelinearcher1158]

No wonder Kate has her own kitchen and life with William and her children…she’s kept life normal…who would ever want to live in a Palace .

[@anndarley9229]

Just when I think I might like her then you say something and I'm right back to thinking how self-centred she really is. Sorry I'm struggling to find something positive about her.

[@Polopony]

You're not the only one. Remember the mountains of debt she built up so unnecessarily after the divorce, the dodgy financial deals, the cash-for-access scandal, living for free in Royal Lodge for years, the parties on Eps**n Island with her daughters.... That's not just an accidentally misguided young goofball, it is fundamentally, persistently wrong judgement across decades. Big difference.

[@sc3942]

I've had two experiences in my life of people with needs like Sarah had - the constant emotionally-draining phone calls to enable venting of their issues. They become "energy vampires" and suck the life out of you - and their self-absorption is incredibly frustrating. It stops only when you stop allowing it to happen and I can imagine how difficult that decision would be if you were employed by your life sucker !!

[@karmac2023]

I can feel for her. I’d not have wanted to live with and spend so much time w my in laws! That would have been the end of my marriage!

[@silva7493]

Love the book! I once heard (or was it I read?) Diana speak about how dark and gloomy it was in BP, and how it was frowned upon to have more than one light bulb burning at a time, in whichever cavernous room one would be occupying.

[@chimerat8012]

Agree Ma'am as in ham for royalty.Maam as in psalm for the rest of us. Pity Sarah did not involve herself with naval wives support organisations. I think it is clear that if royals marry commoners, those commoners must come from a happy and supportive family.That is the base that produces an individual who can face and counter difficulties. It is not a coincidence that both Katherine and Sophie came from such families.

[@marilena7848]

The two pronunciations of "ma'am" are interesting. In the US, it always rhymes with ham. Sometimes in British movies/TV shows I think they're saying "mum." 😃

[@kyliedavies1695]

I can’t imagine seeing my husband so rarely. Sad way to start a life together

[@raffaellavitiello1762]

I can not imagine having so many shoes...... it take me weeks to get used to a pair of shoes..... l would spend my days having sore feet. This would be horrible. And having to change constantly my clothes and not be able to wear those l love most would make me miserable. I am so happy that l was not born to be royal, l do not envy them one bit. And if you suffer from insecurity it would be hell. Having said this l admire the Queen and all those that make it and live their life with the world watching them . Incredibly hard ,l think they are so BRAVE it is a very lonely life. Lot of people around you, but mostly you are ALONE. You have to be l think, a very special kind of a person. POOR Sarah was not to be a princess, but l think she is a very loving mother, and this to me is more important. Her 2 daughters adore her!. I hate went we arrive at the end of the show, and l watch already 3 time the show with Taz. I hope it happen again, you are both a joy to behold thankyou again

[@Cooksongrl]

It really makes me wonder how many marriages would have survived if couples had pushed through the first yrs when careers were so demanding .

[@Boudicca527]

Jane was not emotionally stable herself, she murdered her wealthy boyfriend a couple of years after being dismissed from Fergie’s staff after the divorce. It’s a very sad story as he’d called the police concerned about potential domestic violence that evening and no one came 😢

[@graphiquejack]

Holy crap… that is wild! Wow

[@Polopony]

@@graphiquejack Yes. Jane Andrews served 18 years in prison for the murder in 2001, and was released in 2019. She was a very troubled teenager indeed, with a history of depression, attempted su*c*de and abortion, and entered Sarah's employ as her dresser when she was only 21, which seems very young for such a position, and one wonders who was vetting the applicants... After committing the murder, she went on the run for several days and Fergie was involved in trying to persuade her to turn herself in. There was a recent TV documentary about it.

[@janettesinclair6279]

I remember that - so that was that Jane...

[@bestpractices22]

facinating. x

[@suemcdermott2947]

Gee to see the inside of livinĝ in the palace alone does seem depressing.

[@carolynhague7199]

Oh another excellent épisode. Just love them❤

[@margaretmckee7710]

Jings that was great ! Roll on next epi😊

[@janeoverby2151]

I truly love your book reviews! I think that poor Sarah got shafted. She was lonely, trying to fit into a world she was not equipped for. Yes she grew up in a well to do family, a messed up one for sure. She made mistakes horrible ones for sure. But she and Andrew have 2 beautiful daughters and adorable grandchildren. She is blessed that way, without him she wouldn't have her girls or grandchildren. Just my opinion.

[@nicoletteralfe733]

I’m feeling quite sorry for Sarah. I still think she behaved really badly later on, but I can feel her desperation 🙁

[@maryannec.moravec6289]

Interesting point. Great observation

[@thevintageread]

Thanks!

[@user-hr1ql2fu3f]

KCIII also has Teddy Bears.

[@mlentz1975]

Unlike This One’s wife who had her husband around 24/7 along with all those sent to personally give her advice and guidance…. Fergie did not which added to her lack of confidence and eventually her stumble….

[@Zhambie]

I still like her despite her not letting her staff have their own time. I used to over think nearly everything, and now I'm a lot older I think, good grief what time I wasted trying to get everyone to like me. No matter who you are, not everyone is going to like you and you know what? Thats on them, not you, but wow thats a hard one to come to terms with.

[@Lainers2000]

I’m enjoying this series so much, thank you Shauna. I’m a relatively new subscriber so I haven’t watched your other reviews but will definitely check out the Housekeeper’s Diary series.

[@lizaltieri]

I keep thinking about your contributor who worked with Fergie. I believe her. It's changed, fortunately, but I think it was a form of neglect that these girls were never really taught how to work or study. West Heath (where Diana went) had a reputation for being for aristocratic girls who were never expected to take school or work seriously. It sounds like Fergie had a lot to keep her busy and of course it's hard to be away from your new husband, but honestly -- it's not that hard, is it?

[@visigoth6781]

I remember when Fergie first came into the RF, the public thought she wonderful. Then the press turned on her and I do remember the horrible names they called her “ the Duchess Of Pork” and frumpy Fergie. Poor girl I felt so sorry for her at that time. But she has rolled with the punches, after quite a few scandals 😉, good on her!

[@itsmesam1967]

Yup, just like M Sarah was welcomed and loved, then it went sour. Cant recall what the turning point was exactly.... was it her spending? Sarah handled the degradation, in public at least, far better than M ever could. Thats probably why she is welcome back now and is seemingly loved by those she meets on her 'walk-abouts' after church at xmas etc.

[@MishYensen]

Do you think Meghan read this book and then used it for her own experience.... Or would you say it's a coincidence her experience was very similar to fergies, just on a shorter time scale. 🤔

[@ingridkoppers4540]

I don’t remember much about Fergie except she was a radical that the queen, Prince Phillip didn’t really approve of. Loved the good life, lots of parties. Well, she had as much time with Andrew as a lot of other servicemen’s wives did. To me she was always a real ‘flighty’ person. Never knew what she was going to get up to next.

[@angelabinns5726]

❤ do you know, I'm feeling really guilty for thinking dispassionately about her. Bless, Diana was speaking truthfully about all the same treatment she had to endure. The Royals must cringe when they are brought to account for their behaviour 😢 the truth will out is an old saying and so very true. ❤

[@graphiquejack]

Diana was no saint (listen to Shauna’s reviews of the Housekeeper’s Diary) and Fergie, well, she’s made her own messes over the years. Sure they probably could have been treated better in the beginning, but I’m not sure I can muster too much sympathy for either one of them.

[@LynxSouth]

@@graphiquejack So you don't think the way they were treated in the beginning helped create the way they acted later on?

[@barkingsquirrel7166]

​@@LynxSouthNO!!!

[@marylarson1874]

Love the recap.

[@Alexaklr]

Sarah sounds like a lonely person. She and Andrew must have loved each other and still do since their living arrangement has continued off and on for all these years. There must be some affection and friendship. Interesting how palace life is a shock for most of the woman marrying into the royal family. I was surprised when I recently read how Charles called Diana's work to say she wasn't returning. It was just after they announced their engagement and then she moved in the palace right away. I had no idea the grip began even before the wedding! "You can't work, you must live here" - goodness!

[@ME-fo7si]

I wonder if, Diana and Charlie’s marriage had been stable when Fergi joined, the outcome of her own marriage may have been different. Who knows.

[@samanthawatmough6119]

Is Jayne the one who went to prison for murdering her boyfriend.

[@margaretlovecchio8316]

When your family has grown up scrutinized & in a fishbowl like the RF, how DO you help new in-laws adjust and become comfortable?

[@gerrymarmee3054]

Sarah and Andrew certainly made some big goofups. It sad, because basicly they are nice people.

[@graphiquejack]

You may be the first person I’ve ever heard describe Andrew as nice. Most people who have met him describe him as a snobby, boorish oaf.

[@tonyspain2]

Loving this, and have warmed a lot more towards Sarah. She was just not able to get things right but tried to do so.

[@SharonSeaver]

Good morning, Shauna😊❤

[@evec2022]

Oh I would hate to have to wear a new pair of shoes every day!!! Ouch!

[@Lynwen10]

She might have had a large wardrobe of clothes but it didn’t her from having the most appalling dress sense.

[@KatherineSpinks-cu9io]

Like MM?!?

[@graphiquejack]

She has to be partially forgiven because it was the 80s after all. Even Diana who was model thin looked a mess sometimes back then.

[@LynxSouth]

@@KatherineSpinks-cu9io No, not that bad. From what I saw, Sarah's clothes were at least suitable to the occasion.

[@jeannelipham2583]

TOW's "dress sense," or lack thereof, makes Sarah look like a fashion plate. And, there are some pictures of her, especially in formal wear, where she looks very good. And, as @graphiquejack said, it was the eighties and eighties' fashion could be horrendous, even Diana, Princess of Wales wore some real horrors.

[@marciap2961]

@@graphiquejack Diana was always immaculately groomed and put together. Some of the 80s fashions are questionable by today's tastes.

[@bradleyestate]

Thank you for not talking about Hags & Mags.

[@rosemarypitt991]

Excellent first interview Shauna, loved it. So when is the next one pretty please? Seriously,, I think you are right with Sarah regarding ADHD. Lots of women have boring lonely lives but they learn to fill the empty hours and still be productive. She strikes me as a high maintenance princess.

[@bradleyestate]

You’re describing bipolar, not ADHD.

[@lilianbirt7235]

Sounds like entering into the Royal Family can be quite a lonely enterprise. But I don’t understand why Prince Andrew and Sarah didn’t discuss how their marriage would look like in the beginning with his Naval career taking him away for the week only to return for the weekend. And I don’t understand why her Palace staff didn’t do a better job planning her engagements. Why so many right away? Lastly, she was in her later 20’s when she got married. Did she not have a life before her Royal marriage? Could she not try to balance her life with friends, hobbies and her own family? All very strange how Diana and Fergie, in the 1980’s, were left to sink or swim without help from their husbands, courtiers, and their Mother in Law.

[@Polopony]

We have to bear in mind that we only have Fergie's word for all this. Others' recollections probably do vary, quite considerably...

[@lilianbirt7235]

@@Polopony true…. However from what I have read over the years others have said Diana and Fergie were not helped very much in the beginning. Who knows for sure? As well, I doubt Charles and Andrew were equipped to be communicative husbands because of the way they were raised. I think the z royals family slowly learned from their mistakes and the Institution made some changes which helped introduce Kate Middleton into the Royal Family in a more modern way. We must remember that before Diana, historically the Prince of Wales (or heir to the throne) married other Royalty. The marriages were arranged and were alliances rather than love matches. The wives then had no choice but to make it work.

[@vericarauza5830]

Didn't Sarah say she wanted to be the Royal with most engagements? She did it by choice. I think she just wanted to prove herself invaluable to the RF. Maybe she was secretly competing with Diana's popularity.

[@maryann6884]

She could also be bipolar.

[@kimberlyanne434]

I asked my mom who’s 83 do you watch Shauna? Who’s Shauna my mom asked, I’m so excited my mom my mom will be tuning in . I told her you are from Australia and Shauna reads books and she gives us little snippets here and there about the royal family especially Harry and Meghan.🙃

[@thevintageread]

That’s lovely! 💗🤗

[@nobodynobody695]

❤

[@saucywench5152]

❤❤❤

[@jbw7705]

“Floods of tears”. 🤔 hmmm. It seams to me this book has been read by some other person of notoriety. 🧐🤭

[@lynnewilliams6662]

❤️❤️❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@carolynrjackson]

Why was it that Prince Phillip did not like Fergie? Was it just that he thought she was vulgar?

[@itsmesam1967]

I think he found her common, yes. She wasnt 'a lady', she was rough and tumble etc and, wasnt a virgin.... though not sure that would have bothered him too much?

[@MarisaPaola-um5yb]

she loved over spending on lavish holidays, was lazy, she billed charities for luxurious hotel stays for herself, staff, friends..when she was travelling for private reasons, she was loose with the truth, demanded cash under the table for meetings with trade delegate (Andrew)..other men, basically a con artist...and those are only the things the public knew about. She went berserk on a plane, got drunk, threw paper and other things at other people.She went to school dropoff wearing long skirt runners and bed hair, when other parents were nicely dressed...odd. I agree with Prince Philip she was a waste of time, we learnt that bonaime persona was fake, hard as steel.

[@itsmesam1967]

@@MarisaPaola-um5yb but surely all those things came out later? Philip hated her from the beginning. At the point in this story of her not wanting to walk past his office was early on?

[@marciap2961]

Prince Philip had Fergie's measure right from the start, I'm quite certain.

[@Polopony]

Remember this is Fergie's own narrative here, and she's presenting a carefully curated image of herself long after the actual events in order to get some sort of public forgiveness, if not approval. If Philip had written his own version, it would probably have had a very different perspective. What I'm picking up here is a victim narrative disguised as a heroic outsider bravely fighting against overwhelming odds, disguising an underlying current of anger at the unfairness of her lot, and complete lack of understanding that she was ultimately responsible for her own actions. Philip, by all accounts, was a ruthlessly unsentimental pragmatist who gave no-one the luxury of such self-indulgence - including himself. I'm sure he saw her for what she was and couldn't, or wouldn't, hide his contempt.

[@queeniemorris4060]

Good 👍 afternoon ❤

[@StacieMo]

What is with these women when they move into Buckingham Palace and are so miserable before the wedding??? I would be inviting any and all my girlfriends over for tea...dinner. Take a nice long walk through the gardens...use the pool. Shoot over to Windsor and check that place out...why do they just want to bug the crap out of staff and cry all the time?? I seriously do not get it...such a shame!!