Sarah Ferguson’s ‘pregnant affair scandal’ one of string of Royal disruptions as Epstein email sparks fallout

Sarah Ferguson has endured a number of Royal scandals in her time, but the latest storm that has erupted this week might prove to be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Prince Andrew’s ex-wife has been dropped by multiple charities after a recently resurfaced email from 2011 revealed that she referred to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as her “supreme friend” and appeared to apologise for her public criticism of him.

Many speculate this could mark the end of her tenure in the Royal family. However, Sarah has previously demonstrated her resilience within Royal circles.

During her marriage to Andrew, she was infamously embroiled in a shocking affair, which ultimately contributed to the couple’s downfall.

Andrew and Sarah have known each other since childhood, but it wasn’t until 1985 that they began dating after being seated together at Royal Ascot that year, reports the Mirror.

The Duke and Duchess of York still live together despite divorcing in 1996 -Credit:Getty Images

They became engaged nine months later on 19 February 1986 – his 26th birthday – with Andrew presenting his future wife with a stunning ruby engagement ring.

Their wedding was held at Westminster Abbey on 23 July 1986 and two years later, they welcomed their first child, Princess Beatrice, followed by Princess Eugenie in 1990.

However, cracks had started to show in their relationship. Andrew’s naval career meant he was often away from the family for extended periods.

Fergie later claimed she spent eight months of her first pregnancy alone, once telling Rosie magazine that Prince Philip prohibited her from living with her naval husband wherever he was stationed.

Speaking to US TV host Ernie Manouse in 2010, she said: “My deal was that I was marrying my man, who happened to be a prince and a naval officer.

“But what I got was not the man, I got the palace and didn’t get him. For our marriage, I saw him 40 days a year.”

The Duchess Of York, Prince Andrew, the late Queen and then-Prince Charles outside Clarence House for the late Queen Mother’s 86th birthday -Credit:Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

It was this isolation that allegedly drove Sarah into the embrace of another man.

The Duchess was in her third year of marriage and expecting Eugenie when she reportedly encountered American Steve Wyatt.

They allegedly met in 1989 at Houston Grand Opera’s British Opera Festival, and swiftly became smitten with each other.

It was subsequently alleged that Steve, rather than Andrew, was the ‘love of her life’ and that she became ‘head over heels’ infatuated with him.

“Steve Wyatt was the main reason for the breakdown of her marriage,” alleged David Leigh, co-author of The Duchess of York uncensored.

“She met him at a time of her life when she was exceptionally low and felt Andrew wasn’t supporting her. She went to Texas and she met a very handsome and rich Texan who was very attentive and loving and they very quickly fell in love.

“Andrew may have been her best friend, and he probably still is now and probably always will be, but Steve Wyatt was the love life of her life.”

Prince Andrew’s ex-wife has been dropped by multiple charities following a recently resurfaced email where she called sex offender Jeffrey Epstein her “supreme friend” -Credit:WireImage

However, it wasn’t meant to last, and Sarah was reportedly devastated when Steve became engaged to Cate Magennis. Then chaos erupted in August 1992 when Fergie was photographed having her toes sucked by her American financial adviser John Bryan – Steve’s close mate – as they basked in the sunshine in the South of France.

She would subsequently maintain she didn’t actually desire a divorce from Andrew, but from that moment onwards the decision wa

The Royal pair separated in January 1992 with the Queen announcing their split in a terse statement.

It read: “In view of the media speculation which the Queen finds especially undesirable during the general election campaign, Her Majesty is issuing the following statement..

“Last week, lawyers acting for the Duchess of York initiated discussions about a formal separation for the Duke and Duchess. These discussions are not yet completed and nothing will be said until they are.”

Andrew also allegedly engaged in numerous affairs.

Princess Margaret and Prince Philip were reportedly not fond of the Duchess of York whatsoever -Credit:Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

“According to his former driver, the duke had slept with ‘more than a dozen women before their first anniversary’,” Royal author Andrew Lownie previously wrote.

Whilst Fergie and Andrew’s relationship stayed remarkably cordial – with family getaways and public outings carrying on regardless – her exile from Royal circles was brutal and immediate.

The Queen’s sister Princess Margaret even wrote a scathing letter claiming she had done “more to bring shame on the family than could ever have been imagined.

“Not once have you hung your head in embarrassment even for a minute after those disgraceful photographs. Clearly you have never considered the damage you are causing us all. How dare you discredit us like this?” she wrote.

And whilst the Queen was thought to have pardoned her, Prince Philip’s fury remained equally fierce right until his dying days. He was reportedly far from thrilled about encountering his former daughter-in-law when Eugenie wed Jack Brooksbank in Windsor in 2018.

But Sarah has stayed steadfastly loyal to Andrew’s side – they still share Royal Lodge – despite the numerous controversies that have surrounded him.

The Prince was compelled to withdraw from official engagements after his explosive BBC interview regarding his connections to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, which was broadcast in November 2019, just over five years ago.

His mother, the late Queen, subsequently removed Andrew’s military honours and patronages in January 2022. Despite the controversies, Fergie’s support has remained steadfast.

Last Christmas, she earned commendation from Royal insiders for her role in keeping Andrew away from public events amidst an alleged Chinese spy scandal.

The previous Christmas saw her rejoining the Royal fold after decades, attending a festive gathering in Sandringham despite neither she nor Andrew being working royals.

However, the recent scandal involving Sarah’s email is bound to stir up challenging questions about any potential future return.