Fergie has been known for standing by her ex-husband in the past(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
If one thing is certain, its that Fergie is no stranger to trying to stage a comeback. Over the decades she has been part of public life, she’s had more than a few major scandals, but managed to find her way back in the public’s affections every single time.
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, on the other hand, hasn’t had as much joy when it comes to trying take back control of the narrative. Back in 2019 when he sat down with the BBC to defend himself against allegation of sexual assault – which he vehemently denies – and try to explain away his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, it saw his public reputation go from bad to worse.
More than six years on from this fateful interview that saw him step back from royal duties, he and his ex-wife – who was until recently one of his staunchest defenders – have fallen even further from grace.
READ MORE: King Charles suffers awkward blunder during royal visit as aide rushes to help himREAD MORE: Sarah Ferguson called on to testify over Epstein links by US lawmaker
Andrew has retreated to Marsh Farm since his exile from Windsor(Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Exiled to a boggy home in Norfolk, with staff reportedly staying in a mobile home on site to provide him with round-the-clock service, and under investigation for misconduct in a public office, he appears to have few allies.
It’s been reported that Princess Anne offered him a place to stay on her own estate, but the King himself is keeping a major distance from his errant younger brother, and Fergie, who used to claim they were the ‘happiest divorced couple in the world‘ has gone to ground and staying far away from the former duke.
Sarah was reportedly last spotted in Ireland staying at a lavish hotel whilst the scandal about her and Andrew’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein continues to intensify, as the public and press alike pore over their apparent correspondence with the paedophile, which extends long beyond the point that they publicly disavowed him.
From pleas for money and to “marry” her, Fergie’s bond with the sex offender certainly seems charged from the messages exchanged. One seemingly from an account belonging to the former Duchess accused him vanishing and of using her for access to Andrew, only minutes after she had sent him an effusive message congratulating him on the birth of a mysterious baby boy.
It is not known if Epstein had any children, but the child would now be aged 14. “Don’t know if you are still on this bbm [BlackBerry Messenger] but heard from The Duke that you have had a baby boy,” the email reads. “Even though you never kept in touch, I still am here with love, friendship and congratulations [sic] on your baby boy. Sarah xx.”
Fergie was mentioned in the Epstein files(Image: WireImage)
But only minutes later a furious follow up was sent, “You have disappeared. I did not even know you were having a baby. It was sooooo crystal clear to me that you were only friends with me to get to Andrew.”
Its been claimed that Fergie is well aware that she needs to keep her “distance” from Andrew and “needs money” as the scandal continues and the police investigate him. Some reports have alleged that both Sarah and Andrew could be poised to write tell-all memoirs as a way of staging “comebacks” – with Fergie also claimed to have considered reality TV as an option.
PR to the stars, Mayah Riaz, tells the Mirror that in her view, this is probably not that wide off the mark, and a route that many controversy-ridden celebs take when faced with public and reputational downfall.
“I don’t think the idea of memoirs from Andrew and Fergie feels far-fetched at all,” the communications expert explains, “In today’s media landscape, a ‘tell-all’ is often seen as the fastest route to reframing the narrative and, in some cases, monetising notoriety. That said, I’d say that is a very high-risk strategy.
“For Andrew in particular, any attempt at a personal account would be met with intense scrutiny and scepticism. It would not be the step towards repairing reputation that he’d hope it would be. Fergie is in a slightly different position. She has already spent years rebuilding public goodwill and has a more forgiving brand. A memoir from her could land better if it leans into reflection, resilience and accountability rather than revelation. The tone will be everything. Audiences are far more interested in growth than grievance.”
But while the idea of a tell-all might seem like an obvious route back into public favour, Mayah warns it could just as easily backfire. “In terms of brand impact, a poorly judged memoir could be reputationally fatal,” she explains. “We’ve seen that audiences have long memories and very little tolerance for anything that feels like deflection or self-pity.”
She adds that while there is potential upside, it is far from guaranteed. “On the flip side, a carefully handled, genuinely honest narrative could shift perception. The key difference will be whether the public believes it.”
Beyond memoirs, she suggests there are other ways figures in crisis can attempt to rebuild, but only if handled with care. “Another way would be to reposition through purpose, which could involve them aligning with meaningful work,” she says.
“Whether that’s charity, advocacy or business, it could help shift the conversation, but again the key is that it absolutely has to feel authentic. Audiences are wise and can spot a performative rebrand instantly.”
And if memoirs do materialise, she says the real test will be how they are received. “If they do go ahead with memoirs, it will be less about what they reveal and more about how credible and self-aware they come across,” she says. “That’s what will ultimately decide whether it’s a comeback or another setback.”
READ MORE: Sarah Ferguson stripped of honour in latest fallout from Epstein scandal