by Teresa Wentz
August 13 2012
Many column inches on both sides of the Atlantic were recently devoted to the fact that Prince Harry and the Duchess of York appeared at the same Olympic event last week.
The more sensational tabloids were quick to capitalize on the story by insinuating that Prince Harry snubbed his aunt by not personally greeting her. In actuality, Prince Harry was most likely displaying good manners by not rising from his seat and drawing attention to himself and thus creating a distraction that would draw attention away from the athletes.
Several newspapers also helpfully pointed out that this is the first time that Duchess has been in the public company of a senior royal for about two years. Absolutely not true. The Duchess has accompanied the Duke of York on several public outings during this time.
The whole story did serve the point of bringing up a matter that is of interest to both royal watchers and critics of the monarchy: what should the role of minor royals now be? While she has not been a member of the royal family since the early nineties, Sarah Ferguson is still the Duchess of York and the mother of two blood princesses.
With concerns about the cost of monarchy and the past public missteps by the Duchess, you would think supporters and critics alike would be eager to help Sarah Ferguson become the productive member of British society that she once was.
When Sarah Ferguson began receiving media attention as a friend of the Princess of Wales and later as Prince Andrew’s future bride, she was heralded as a breath of fresh air for her modern ways which included a successful career in publishing. Raiding the royal archives for her own successful books was well received by her critics and fans of royal history.
Likewise, many of her television appearances have been popular with the general public. In America, where a ‘comeback’ is always applauded and appreciated, we see the Duchess as someone who has a real desire to help herself and others. She has been most impressive when working on behalf of the rights of children and undergoing physical challenges like her trek to the Arctic. Just no more trying to give health tips to underemployed members of society who can’t afford fresh fruits and vegetables.
Why is this talent not being utilized?
As her daughters begin their own families, it is natural that the Duchess will want to be near her family and be part of the lives of her grandchildren. Considering the way things have moved along for the past few years, it is also not far-fetched to imagine that Sarah Ferguson is a ‘non-negotiable’ part of Prince Andrew’s life – much the same way that Camilla Parker Bowles was to Prince Charles.
It would be a benefit to the royal family and to Sarah’s immediate family if a career was found for the Duchess that would give her financial independence.
Republicans would be happy because she would no longer be supported by the royals (and perhaps no longer under Prince Andrew’s roof). Her daughters would be pleased to once again see the fun, carefree and fulfilled mother that they no doubt prefer. Her fans would be glad to have her back where she loves to be – in the spotlight. (Although under the direction of a good editor or producer who would temper the impetuousness that often brings trouble for herself and others).
In anticipation of her new beginning, let’s pop a cork and sing out “Well, hello Fergie, well hello Fergie, it’s so nice to see you back where you belong……………”.
Teresa Wentz