Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and ex-wife of Prince Andrew, is once again making headlines after shocking revelations about her extravagant spending habits have come to light. The allegations, detailed in Andrew Lownie’s explosive book Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, paint a vivid picture of how her lifestyle once drained royal coffers at an alarming rate.
According to Lownie’s findings, Sarah’s penchant for luxury knew no bounds. A report by Judith Woods for The Telegraph reveals that at the height of her spending, the Duchess maintained an astonishing entourage. Her personal staff allegedly included a cook, driver, maid, butler, dresser, nanny, three secretaries, a personal assistant, a lady-in-waiting, two gardeners, a flower arranger, and even a dedicated dog walker.
The British press famously nicknamed her “Her Royal Excess” due to her constant indulgences. Reports claim that she managed to take five holidays in just seven months, each one brimming with lavish accommodations and endless entertainment. Her schedule also featured frequent high-profile parties, often described as extravagant and over the top.
One particularly striking example of her spending habits came after a trip to New York, where she had been promoting her popular Budgie children’s books. Upon her return, she was reportedly forced to pay thousands of pounds in excess baggage fees for 51 extra pieces of luggage, stuffed with newly purchased clothes and gifts.
Lownie’s account also suggests that any attempt to rein in Sarah’s spending was met with fierce resistance. In one anecdote, he claims she would “throw an absolute screaming fit” if staff tried to present her with bank correspondence. “She just doesn’t want to know,” he quoted a source as saying, implying that the Duchess preferred to remain blissfully unaware of her mounting expenses.
Her extravagance allegedly extended far beyond clothing and travel. According to The Telegraph report, Sarah had a nightly ritual involving a grand feast that could rival a medieval banquet. The table was said to be “groaning” under the weight of an elaborate spread prepared for her and her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
What made this display even more shocking was the alleged wastefulness that followed. The leftovers from these lavish dinners were reportedly thrown away rather than saved or redistributed, a move critics have called theatrical in its disregard for frugality.
These revelations have reignited public debate about the spending of royals and former royals, especially those no longer directly funded by the Sovereign Grant. While some supporters argue that the Duchess has brought considerable charitable attention through her public work, critics insist that her past behavior reflects a worrying disregard for financial responsibility.
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Sarah Ferguson’s spending habits have been a source of controversy for decades. Since her divorce from Prince Andrew in 1996, she has frequently been linked to financial struggles, including debts and questionable business ventures. Yet these latest details highlight just how embedded her taste for luxury appeared to be during her time in the royal circle.
Public reaction to the book’s claims has been mixed. Some royal watchers see this as further proof that the monarchy must modernize and impose stricter financial controls. Others believe it’s an unfair rehashing of old scandals designed to tarnish her image at a time when she has been focusing on charity work and cancer awareness following her own recent health battle.
The Duchess herself has yet to publicly respond to these specific allegations, but her history of defending her reputation suggests she may eventually address them. In past interviews, she has often acknowledged her mistakes but framed them as part of a personal journey toward growth and resilience.
Whether or not Sarah Ferguson chooses to challenge these claims, the revelations have added a new chapter to her complex relationship with the public and the Royal Family. For many, her story remains a cautionary tale of how royal privilege, unchecked spending, and a reluctance to adapt can lead to lasting controversy.
The new allegations also come at a time when the British Royal Family faces growing scrutiny over finances, public perception, and the legacy of its most colorful members. In this climate, even decades-old spending habits can find their way back into the headlines especially when they involve someone as famously unconventional as the Duchess of York.
If the book’s accounts are accurate, Sarah Ferguson’s life of luxury was more than just indulgence — it was a statement of living on her own terms, regardless of the cost. And while the public may debate whether that cost was worth it, one thing is certain: her legacy as “Her Royal Excess” remains as vivid as ever.
