Is Sarah Ferguson a Commoner? A Look at Her Background and Royal StatusSarah Ferguson, also known as the Duchess of York, became one of the most talked-about figures in the British royal family when she married Prince Andrew in 1986. Her public life has been filled with both successes and controversies, leading to a long-standing curiosity about her background and royal status. One question that often arises is whether Sarah Ferguson is considered a ‘commoner.’
This topic explores Sarah Ferguson’s background, her marriage into the royal family, and the meaning of the term ‘commoner’ in the context of British royalty. We also examine how her life has evolved since becoming a member of the royal family.
What Does Commoner Mean in Royal Terms?
Before delving into Sarah Ferguson’s personal history, it’s important to define the term ‘commoner.’ In British society, a ‘commoner’ traditionally refers to someone who is not part of the aristocracy, nobility, or royal family. Historically, commoners were the majority of the population, living without inherited titles or royal connections.
In the case of the British royal family, a commoner is typically someone who marries into the family without any noble or royal lineage. Although the term ‘commoner’ is still in use today, it holds less significance in modern times than it did in the past, when royal bloodlines were strictly preserved through arranged marriages within noble circles.
Sarah Ferguson’s Family Background
Sarah Ferguson was born on October 15, 1959, in London to parents who were not part of the aristocracy. Her father, Major Ronald Ferguson, was a former British Army officer, and her mother, Susan Barrantes, was a former socialite and an equestrian. While the Ferguson family had connections to the British upper class, they were not titled nobility.
Despite her non-aristocratic background, Sarah grew up in a privileged environment. She attended boarding schools, including the prestigious Queen’s Gate School in London and the secretarial college in Switzerland, where she learned French and other skills. Though her family was well-connected socially, it didn’t come with a royal or noble title.
Marriage to Prince Andrew From Commoner to Royalty
In 1986, Sarah Ferguson’s life changed dramatically when she married Prince Andrew, the second son of Queen Elizabeth II. The wedding was a major royal event, widely covered by the media, and marked the beginning of her official role as a member of the British royal family.
After their marriage, Sarah was given the title ‘Her Royal Highness The Duchess of York,’ a title that made her a formal part of the royal family. However, despite her new title, many still considered Sarah Ferguson to be a ‘commoner’ by birth, as she did not have any royal blood.
Her marriage to Prince Andrew made her one of the most high-profile members of the royal family at the time, but it also made her a symbol of a growing shift in the royal family’s attitude toward marriage and social class. Before her marriage, the royal family had mainly married within aristocratic circles, but Sarah Ferguson’s commoner background was a sign that times were changing.
Sarah Ferguson’s Royal Role and Public Image
While Sarah Ferguson was technically a commoner when she married Prince Andrew, she quickly became an integral part of the royal family. During her marriage, she participated in numerous royal duties and engagements, alongside her husband and the rest of the royal family. Her role in the royal family involved public appearances, charity work, and representing the monarchy at various events.
In addition to her royal duties, Sarah became known for her bubbly and outgoing personality. She was often seen as a breath of fresh air in the royal family, with a more approachable and relatable demeanor compared to other members of the monarchy. Her openness with the media and her informal style set her apart from more traditional royal family members.
However, her marriage ended in divorce in 1996, and her royal title was altered to ‘Duchess of York’ without the ‘Her Royal Highness’ designation. This change did not diminish her public visibility, and Sarah continued to work on various charitable causes and maintain a public presence.
The Evolution of the ‘Commoner’ Status
Over time, the label of ‘commoner’ has become less rigid within the British royal family. Princess Diana, Sarah Ferguson, and later Kate Middleton, who was also considered a commoner before marrying Prince William, show how the modern royal family has become more accepting of people without noble or royal backgrounds.
While Sarah Ferguson may have been a commoner before her marriage to Prince Andrew, her time in the royal spotlight demonstrated that titles and royal lineage are not the only things that matter in the modern age. Sarah became a member of the royal family due to her marriage, and she embraced her role, participating in charity work and public engagements.
Today, the idea of marrying a commoner is much less taboo, and people from various backgrounds can join the royal family through marriage. This shift reflects a broader societal change toward inclusivity and the recognition of personal qualities over inherited titles.
Sarah Ferguson After Divorce Still Part of the Royal Family?
Though Sarah Ferguson’s marriage to Prince Andrew ended in divorce, she has remained close to her former in-laws, particularly Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Sarah has been seen at numerous royal events, including weddings, state functions, and public ceremonies, suggesting that her connection to the royal family has not entirely been severed.
While she is no longer a working member of the royal family, Sarah has managed to maintain a significant public profile. She continues to support various charitable causes and has written books and appeared in documentaries. Though her role has changed, she still plays a part in royal life and is often invited to participate in royal events.
Despite her divorce, Sarah Ferguson has often referred to her time as a royal as a positive experience. Her continued relationship with her former in-laws and her involvement in charity work have kept her in the public eye, showing that being a commoner in the royal family does not mean a permanent outsider status.
Conclusion Is Sarah Ferguson Still a Commoner?
So, is Sarah Ferguson still considered a commoner? Technically, yes, she was born a commoner. However, her marriage to Prince Andrew, her divorce, and her continued involvement in royal life have blurred the lines between aristocracy and commoners. While she may have been a commoner by birth, Sarah Ferguson has transcended this label through her royal connection, public work, and charitable contributions.
Her journey shows how the concept of commoners in the royal family has evolved over time. Today, the British royal family is more inclusive, with commoners marrying into the family and contributing to royal duties. Sarah Ferguson’s story reflects this shift, and she remains a beloved, though non-working, member of the royal family.