Sarah Ferguson accused of 'screaming fits' at staff reducing them 'to wrecks'
She is alleged to have "lived beyond her means"
Sarah Ferguson has been accused of reducing members of staff in her household “to wrecks’ with her behaviour.
The Duchess of York and her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, are the subjects of Andrew Lownie’s new royal biography, Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York.
The book, which has been serialised in the Daily Mail, contains shocking claims concerning Fergie’s alleged spending and reported “wastefulness” over the years she has been in the public eye. But the news outlet also indicates Fergie has previously “lived beyond her means” while maintaining a retinue of staff, and is also alleged to have “screamed” at those looking after her.
‘Spent money on an epic and often mindless scale’
In Tuesday’s (August 5) serialisation, it is alleged Fergie “spent money on an epic and often mindless scale, money that more often than not she did not have”.
To evidence this, it is highlighted how, in 1994, two years on from her separation from Prince Andrew, Fergie rented a property in southern France. Said to have been described as self-catering, it is reported that Fergie was nonetheless accompanied by several staff. They are said to have included a butler, two housekeepers, a dresser, a general assistant, and a nanny. Furthermore, two other assistants reportedly jetted in and out during the stay. And two Scotland Yard protection officers were on hand to protect her daughters, it’s claimed.
Meanwhile, in 1995, it is reported that Fergie “was in such financial straits” she needed to concentrate on earning for herself rather than spending time on charity work.
However, she is said to have “still employed a butler, chauffeur, cook, and secretary”. Fergie also reportedly spent £16,000 a year on phone bills. Her staff bill was also said to have been £32,000 a month at the time.
Sarah Ferguson allegations concerning staff
Additionally, the serialisation article also alleges how Fergie was staffed up in the mid to late 1990s. She is said to have employed a cook, driver, maid, butler, dresser, nanny, three secretaries, a personal assistant, lady-in-waiting, two gardeners, flower arranger, and a dog walker.
Indeed, an anecdote concerning an accountant asking staff about their roles is also reported. It is claimed the accountant asked one member of staff what he did, and received the reply: “I pick up the dog poo.”
The alleged conversation is said to have continued: “‘And you?’ he asked, pointing to the person beside him. ‘I help him.'”
It is also claimed personal trainers were paid hundreds an hour while waiting for her to arrive for sessions. And it also claimed Fergie’s butler arrived at 4.30 am to put watercress on ice.
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‘I have heard her throw an absolute screaming fit’
An unnamed friend is quoted as claiming about Fergie’s finances: “I have heard her throw an absolute screaming fit when one of her staff showed her a letter from the bank. She just doesn’t want to know.”
Furthermore, staff turnover was said to be “high”.
Read more: ‘Reason’ King Charles will never ‘kick Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson out of Royal Lodge’
It is claimed that one aide said: “Car journeys are the worst. She will sit on the phone screaming at employees and reduce everyone to wrecks. Then she will wonder why we are so unhappy.”
She will sit on the phone screaming at employees.
Royal Insider has contacted representatives for Sarah Ferguson for comment.
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