Sarah Ferguson Biography

Duchess. Born Sarah Margaret Ferguson on October 15, 1959 in London, England. The second daughter of Major Ronald Ivor Ferguson, Sarah had a privileged English upbringing, attending private boarding school and becoming an accomplished horseback rider. Her father worked as manager of the Prince of Wales' polo team, so Sarah was acquainted with members of the Royal Family from a young age. Her parents divorced when she was 13 and after graduating from secretarial college, Sarah worked for a public relations firm, an art gallery and a publishing company.

In 1985, Sarah met Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. The couple married the following year in Westminster Abbey and had two children, Beatrice and Eugenie. Dubbed "Fergie" by the press, Sarah was often criticized for her extravagant lifestyle and outspoken manner. Marriage trouble began to plague the couple, which is often attributed to Prince Andrew's long trips away while serving in the Royal Navy. In 1992, the couple separated, eventually divorcing in 1996 but continuing to live together in separate living quarters.

The Duchess of York hosted her own short-lived talk show and appeared in a string of commercials during the 1990s for Weight Watchers. She is the author of an autobiography, some dieting guides and several children's books.