Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has recently spoken out against Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, emphasizing that royal titles do not define a person’s identity.
During her media tours to promote her new romance novel, she sat down for an interview with The Independent to discuss various topics.
In the interview, she expressed sympathy for King Charles, who is currently facing family tensions and preparing for his upcoming coronation in May.
Ferguson also touched upon the significance of royal titles, particularly in light of Meghan and Harry’s children, Archie III and Lilibet I, being granted HRH titles.
The Royal Family website now lists them as Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex, whereas previously they were referred to as Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor.
These titles were not automatically bestowed upon the children at birth due to their position in the line of succession.
However, Meghan and Harry later claimed their titles as a birthright, which were granted after their baptism in the United States.
Discussing her own daughter’s title, Fergie remarked, “I believe that the title doesn’t make you the person you are; I believe that true humility comes from your heart.”
She subtly addressed the Sussexes’ decision to step back from their royal duties by stating that members of the Royal Family who choose to leave cannot remain undecided and must make a clear choice between being in or out.
These comments come amidst ongoing tensions between the Royal Family and Prince Harry and Meghan, who have openly expressed their grievances with Buckingham Palace’s relationship with the tabloid press since stepping down as senior members in 2020.
Although Sarah Ferguson did not mention Prince Harry and Meghan directly when discussing her own departure from the Royal Family, her words shed light on her personal experiences.
In her interview with The Independent, she reflected on her career as an author, spending 12 years in the United States writing children’s books and participating in reality television shows.
The 63-year-old Duchess emphasized that one cannot have it both ways, stating, “You can’t sit on the fence and keep one foot in and one foot out.
You’re either in or out.
But then don’t cry about not being invited to weddings.
You choose to leave.
Now go and live with it and be it.”
Sarah Ferguson’s candid remarks provide insight into her perspective on the significance of royal titles and the choices individuals make regarding their involvement with the Royal Family.