Prince Andrew married his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, in 1986 in a high-profile royal wedding. However, their marriage lasted six years before they separated in 1992. The divorce was finalized in 1996. Together, they share two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
Although legally divorced, the two never fully separated in practice. For years, they maintained an unusually close bond and continued living under the same roof at Royal Lodge beginning in 2008. Their dynamic led many to describe them as one of the most amicable former royal couples in Britain.
Over the years, they frequently appeared united at major events involving their daughters and grandchildren.
However, Andrew’s public standing shifted dramatically due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Allegations brought against him in the United States led to a civil settlement in 2022, reached without an admission of liability. Following that development, Queen Elizabeth II removed his military affiliations and royal patronages, and Andrew stepped back from the use of his Royal Highness style. Later decisions under King Charles III further limited his royal roles and titles.
Ferguson also faced scrutiny over past contact with Epstein and, earlier, her involvement in a 2010 cash-for-access incident. In addition, the author publicly shared her diagnoses of breast and skin cancer in the early 2020s.
Through reputational setbacks, legal challenges, and health battles, Andrew and Ferguson have remained closely connected. They continue to share family life and support one another. Here’s more to know about their relationship as a divorced yet still-living-together couple.
Who Is Prince Andrew’s Ex-Wife Sarah Ferguson?
Ferguson is a British author and media personality whose career developed well beyond her time inside the royal circle.
Over the years, Sarah has written more than 60 books. Her work ranges from children’s fiction — including the popular Budgie the Little Helicopter and Little Red series — to nonfiction titles about Queen Victoria.
In addition to publishing, Andrew’s ex-spouse has remained active in philanthropy. In 1993, Ferguson founded Children in Crisis, a charity focused on improving access to education in vulnerable countries such as Afghanistan, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
Still, much of the public attention surrounding Ferguson began after her marriage to Prince Andrew. They had crossed paths during childhood, occasionally seeing one another at polo matches. They reconnected as adults at Royal Ascot in 1985 — a meeting that soon led to their engagement.
They Married in 1986
Andrew and Ferguson were married on 23 July 1986 at Westminster Abbey, in a ceremony watched around the world. Their engagement had been announced just three months earlier, in March of that year.
On the morning of the wedding, Queen Elizabeth II granted Andrew the title Duke of York. As his wife, Ferguson assumed the female equivalent and became Her Royal Highness The Duchess of York.
The ceremony blended royal tradition with family warmth. A young Prince William, then four years old, served as a page boy, while Andrew’s younger brother, Prince Edward, stood beside him as best man.
Decades later, Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein led to significant changes in his royal standing. In the years that followed, his military roles and royal patronages were removed, and restrictions were placed on his use of titles. While the Duke of York title itself was not formally abolished, his public role within the monarchy was substantially reduced.
Andrew and His Ex-Wife Have Two Children
He and Ferguson have two daughters: Princess Beatrice, born 8 August 1988, and Princess Eugenie, born 23 March 1990 by caesarean section. Ferguson experienced pregnancy complications with Beatrice, including high blood pressure.
They are now grandparents. Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank share two sons, August (born February 2021) and Ernest (born May 2023). Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi have two daughters, Sienna (born September 2021) and Athena.
The Couple Divorced in 1996
Andrew and Sarah Ferguson separated in March 1992 after nearly six years of marriage. The pressures of Andrew’s naval commitments were widely cited as a major strain on their relationship. Their divorce was finalized in 1996, ending their marriage legally but not their connection.
More than a decade later, in 2008, Ferguson moved into Royal Lodge, where Andrew was residing. She described the arrangement as a practical and united family decision rather than a reconciliation.
Since they began living together again, speculation has continued about whether their relationship has been rekindled.
Are Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson Remarried?
No, they are not remarried. Despite their 1996 divorce, they have often been described as one of the world’s most amicable former couples.
Over the years, they have remained close and continued to co-parent Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Ferguson has also continued living at Royal Lodge in Windsor alongside Andrew, long after their separation.
Their bond has remained visible in public. In 2019, the former couple traveled together with Princess Beatrice to attend the Bahrain Grand Prix, reinforcing the impression that, while divorced, they still operate as a united family.
