Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew, both 59, first begun dating back in 1985, and their whirlwind romance saw them marry a year later. The Duke and Duchess of York went on to have two children together: Princess Eugenie, now 29, and Princess Beatrice, 30. However, their marriage was not meant to be, announcing their split to the world in March 1992. And, four years later, on May 30, 1996, the couple were officially granted a divorce.
Despite ending their romance, it seems that the couple remained on amicable terms, living together in the Royal Lodge, Berkshire, to raise their children, according to reports.
Nevertheless, it’s likely that Sarah and Prince Andrew alike experienced many changes in their life following the breakdown of their marriage.
But, what about their look, and how they were perceived?
In order to find out from the experts, Express.co.uk contacted image consultant Kate Evans.
She exclusively said: “I do think Sarah Ferguson has changed her image post split and post-divorce, but I think when you are going through huge life change like this it is only natural to take a look at yourself and how you want to be perceived – and to give yourself a massive boost in confidence by investing more and changing your image.”
So, what changes did Fergie make to her image?
“I think she has made her look a little more sophisticated, chic and paired back and less ‘girl next door’,” Kate said.
“Her personality appears to the outside world as open, sunny, positive and fun…but when you go through something like a divorce I would presume you become a little more reserved as you have been hurt and your confidence has had a massive knock.
“This is reflected in her style as it is more paired back than before.”
But, it seems that these changes could be due to something else – and that’s the simple fact that most people’s style will naturally evolve over time.
Kate continued: “I should add that most people redefine their style as they go through life- you don’t have to go through a divorce to do this!”
So, exactly how has Sarah altered her look?
Kate said: “I think she looks amazing! The colours she is wearing are great and really suit her and I think they show a quiet confidence that I am wondering she is feeling post-divorce.
“If you have red hair, colour can be tricky to wear as you feel you have so much colour on your head it’s hard to know what shades to wear on your body…but she looks brilliant.
“I particularly love her outfit at Eugenie’s wedding! She looks stunning!”
Sarah chose a green dress for her younger daughter’s wedding, and she later revealed the colour choice made a huge nod to her and Prince Andrew’s wedding back in 1986.
Style insight provided by Kate Evans, who can be found at kate-evans.co.uk, or on Instagram via the handle @kateevansstyle.
Sarah Ferguson: Five facts about the Duchess of York
Childhood
Sarah is the second daughter of Major Ronald Ferguson and Susan Mary Wright.
Her parents divorced in 1974, with her mother going on to marry polo player Héctor Barrantes in 1975 and moving to Argentina. Sarah stayed in the UK with her father, who remarried in 1976 and went on to have three more children.
Wedding
Sarah married Prince Andrew on 23 July 1986 at Westminster Abbey in London.
She wore an ivory-silk wedding gown designed by Lindka Cierarch which had a 17 foot train and 20 foot veil. As is tradition, Sarah wore a diamond tiara, and her wedding band was crafted from Welsh gold.
The couple spent their honeymoon abroad the real yacht Britannia off the coast of the Azores Islands.
Divorce
Sarah and Andrew divorced in 1996 after separating in 1992.
However the couple remain on good terms, even living together in the Royal Lodge from 2008 until Sarah moved to a ski chalet in Switzerland they bought together in 2015.
Career
Sarah has written children’s books for many years, her first being a series about Budgie The Helicopter in the early 90s.
She has also been the US spokeswoman for WeightWatchers after famously battling her weight over the years.
On top of commercial endeavours, the Duchess devotes plenty of time to charity, including Children in Crisis, which she founded in 1993.
Social media
Fergie, as she is known to friends, uses both Twitter and Instagram.
She has over 200,000 followers across the platforms, and shares many insights in to her life.
Most of the Royal Family are not on social media, but are represented by Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, or Clarence House.
Sarah’s daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, are the exception, with both joining their mother on social media.