'I had dinner with Sarah Ferguson – what she said shows her one big problem'
Former newspaper editor Simon Kelner recalls a dinner with Sarah Ferguson that highlighted her struggles with hypocrisy regarding royal life and financial dependency since her divorce.
At a recent reflection, Simon Kelner, a former newspaper editor, shared insights from his dinner with Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York. Kelner pointed out a perceived hypocrisy within the royal family, particularly emphasizing Ferguson's struggle to balance her royal status with the need to generate substantial income following her 1996 divorce. At the time of their meeting, Ferguson was advocating for her successful Weight Watchers program, reportedly earning £1 million a year, yet her conversations revealed her focus primarily on personal financial needs rather than broader societal issues.
Kelner remarked that during their dinner, Ferguson's demeanor indicated a substantial disconnect with the realities faced by many outside her privileged position. While she discussed her weight-loss journey and client engagement in her brand, he noted a significant lack of a 'world-view' or awareness of the complexities that characterize modern public life. This reflects an ongoing challenge for members of the British royal family trying to monetize their status while maintaining relevance in an evolving societal landscape.
Ultimately, Kelner's account sheds light on the difficulties faced by Ferguson, who has struggled with her identity and financial independence since leaving royal duties. This commentary is not just about one individual but rather highlights systemic issues within the monarchy, urging a reconsideration of how royals navigate their historical privileges in an increasingly critical public environment.