Why Sarah Ferguson and Princess Diana Weren’t on Speaking Terms When the Princess of Wales Died

Sarah Ferguson and Princess Diana shared a long-standing friendship that began in their adolescent years, initiated by the connection between their mothers, who were schoolmates. Their relationship, which blossomed during their formative years, would evolve as both women married into the royal family. Despite their close bond, however, they were estranged by the time of Diana’s tragic death in 1997.

Ferguson has often reflected on their friendship, recalling that they had been inseparable during their teenage years. In interviews, she has described their bond as akin to that of siblings, indicating a deep emotional connection. “We were best friends from when she was 14 and I was 15,” Ferguson recounted in a 2021 interview with PEOPLE magazine. Following Diana’s marriage to Prince Charles in 1981, she would subsequently introduce Ferguson to Prince Andrew, her future husband.

Tragically, the two were not on speaking terms when Diana died in a car accident on 31 August 1997. In her autobiography published in 1996, “My Story,” Ferguson portrayed their relationship as turbulent yet fundamentally supportive, suggesting that like siblings, they could bicker but ultimately found ways to reconcile. “I strove to support and protect her as I would a younger sister,” Ferguson wrote, underscoring the care and closeness they once shared.

However, the nature of their estrangement has been a topic of speculation and differing narratives over the years. In her 2011 memoir, “Finding Sarah,” Ferguson admitted their friendship had faced significant strain but did not categorise their relationship as adversarial. She highlighted her confusion over the breakdown, expressing a desire to mend fences. “I wrote letters, thinking whatever happened didn’t matter, let’s sort it out,” Ferguson shared in her memoir, indicating her hope for reconciliation.

Despite her efforts, their connection did not recover before Diana’s untimely passing. Ferguson recalled in “Finding Sarah” how she had not spoken to Diana for a year leading up to the tragic event. The day before Diana’s death, she had reportedly expressed a wish to reconnect with Ferguson, indicating that unresolved feelings lingered between the two friends.

The reasons behind their fallout have been the subject of much conjecture. According to journalist Tina Brown, the deterioration of their friendship may have stemmed from anecdotes included in Ferguson’s “My Story,” particularly one where Ferguson claimed to have contracted plantar warts from wearing Diana’s shoes. Brown posited that this comment did not sit well with Diana, characterising it as a breach of their friendship that led to Diana effectively cutting off contact.

In contrast, Paul Burrell, Diana’s former butler, presented a different interpretation of their rift. According to Burrell, Diana was notably upset with Ferguson for discussing her and her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, in the memoir, despite a prior request to refrain from doing so. He suggested that this disregard for Diana’s wishes resulted in her feeling exploited, which ultimately led to their friendship unraveling.

The final months of Diana’s life saw a complete absence of communication between the two women, creating a sense of regret for Ferguson, who recognised the depth of their shared history. “For the last six months of Diana’s life, Fergie had no contact with Diana—and that was a shame,” Burrell noted, reflecting on their tumultuous journey together.

Even years later, Ferguson continues to hold a place for Diana in her heart. Speaking about her late friend in 2021, she mentioned that memories of their time together come to her often. “She’s the only other person who knew and was around at that time in the ‘80s, when we all wore those very strange clothes,” Ferguson remarked, revealing a nostalgic and bittersweet attachment to their shared experiences.

Ultimately, the story of Sarah Ferguson and Princess Diana depicts the complexities of friendships within the high-pressure environment of the royal family. Although their paths diverged dramatically before the tragic conclusion of Diana’s life, the memories and moments they shared continue to resonate with Ferguson. The enduring connection, even amidst adversity, serves as a poignant reminder of the ties that bind, as well as the sometimes unpredictable nature of relationships.