Andrew Windsor’s eleven-word statement that ended his marriage
Their union soon faced tensions, with royal life exposing deep cracks in their relationship.
Sources now said Andrew’s Navy duties kept him away for a long time, and during one year of their marriage he was only home for 42 days.
In one infamous moment, an insider said he told Ferguson, “I’m a prince, then a naval officer, then a husband.”
Those blunt priorities, combined with rumors about his affairs, contributed to Ferguson’s decision to split from the then Duke of York.
Andrew is said to have slept with more than a dozen women before their first anniversary, while Ferguson came under scrutiny for her friendship with Texas oilman Steve Wyatt.
In 1992, a tabloid photo of Ferguson in a compromising position with her financial advisor generated further public pressure, and the couple announced their divorce shortly afterwards.
Ferguson and Andrew’s divorce was finalized in 1996, with the then Duchess later describing the split as pragmatic.
“I wanted to work – it’s not right for a royal princess to be commercial,” she said – adding: “So Andrew and I decided to make the divorce official so I could leave and get a job.”
She emphasized that her decision was motivated by practical considerations and not by personal animosity.
Despite their divorce, Ferguson has maintained a close relationship with her ex-husband.
She continues to stay at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, describing it as a place of comfort rather than a home.
“I travel a lot, and I’ve always been able to do it wherever I am… when I’m in Britain I’m lucky enough to stay at Royal Lodge. I wouldn’t call it home because that would be presumptuous,” she has previously said.
She and Andrew have also been ordered by the King to vacate the $40 million Lodge by February.
Ferguson’s loyalty to her ex has remained unwavering even amid Andrew’s public scandals, including his 2022 settlement with Epstein’s human trafficking victim Virginia Giuffre over sexual assault allegations, which he has consistently denied.
“I think the love I had for him then is the love I still have for him now,” Ferguson said.
“We are the happiest divorced couple in the world… we are separated, not apart. It is my duty to him. I am so proud of him. I stand by him and always will.”
A source claimed: ‘Andrew’s statement about his priorities to Sarah is typical of him. He’s an egomaniac who doesn’t care who he hurts. It’s no wonder she divorced him.’
