A senior palace source has revealed the late Queen harbored profound anger toward Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, following a damaging scandal that exposed the royal family to significant embarrassment. According to the insider, the monarch considered Ferguson’s actions an unforgivable breach of trust that permanently damaged their relationship.
The controversy stemmed from a 2010 incident where Ferguson was recorded offering privileged access to her former husband, Prince Andrew, in exchange for substantial financial compensation. Undercover journalists captured the former duchess explicitly promising to “open any door” in return for cash payments exceeding $50,000, with additional discussions involving sums approaching $700,000 for continued access.
Those familiar with the situation indicate the Queen expressed unprecedented fury upon learning the details of the arrangement. The monarch reportedly characterized Ferguson as fundamentally self-interested and incapable of genuine remorse for actions that compromised royal integrity. The source described the former duchess as prioritizing personal financial gain over family loyalty, engaging in what appeared to be systematic exploitation of her royal connections.
The breach reportedly resulted in permanent estrangement between Ferguson and the royal household, with the Queen allegedly referring to her former daughter-in-law in particularly harsh terms behind palace walls.
Meanwhile, associates of Ferguson have expressed concern about her current wellbeing, noting her increased withdrawal from public life. A longtime friend acknowledged the former duchess faces significant personal challenges and urged her to seek professional support to navigate ongoing difficulties. The friend emphasized enduring affection for Ferguson despite her controversies, while highlighting the importance of her addressing underlying issues before circumstances deteriorate further.