Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson were cousins, and best friends. Then their friendship ended over one disturbing allegation

The friendship between Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson faced challenges that ultimately led to estrangement, following the release of Ferguson’s 1996 autobiography, according to historian and author Andrew Lownie. This falling out between the two women, who were fourth cousins and childhood friends, effectively ended a bond that had been forged long before they both married into the royal family.

Per PEOPLE, Lownie explained that the tension stemmed from specific details included in Ferguson’s book, titled My Story, in which she referred to catching a verruca (a wart) from borrowing some shoes from Lady Diana. This personal detail was included in a video for the Daily Mail, and Lownie suggested that the rift ran much deeper.  

Speaking to the rift, Lownie noted, “In fact, the reality was that Diana was very concerned that Sarah Ferguson might well be selling stories about her, and that relationship was never repaired, though Sarah Ferguson pretended it had.” It is a pity because the two women initially shared a unique connection, often turning to one another to vent about the pressures of royal life

Their childhood bond was strengthened by being outsiders

Lownie told the Daily Mail that “Diana would come to Sarah Ferguson every Sunday, and they would moan about the royal family. They both felt very restricted within the confines of the royal family. But at the same time, there were some concerns Diana had that Fergie perhaps was too boisterous, and she was kind of undermining Diana’s own reputation, and she began to distance herself.”

It is interesting to note that Diana was the person responsible for introducing Ferguson to the former Prince Andrew. For a time, they were known as the wives of Windsor and dominated front pages together. Ferguson previously spoke to PEOPLE about this support system in 2021, recalling how they would discuss their personal struggles. 

She shared that Diana told her, “Fergie, remember one thing: When you’re at the top of the pedestal, it’s so easy to fall off. And you’re at the bottom. You just climb up.”

The dynamic between them became more complicated as their respective marriages faced public scrutiny. Lownie told the Daily Mail that Diana suggested to Ferguson that they should both divorce their husbands at the same time. However, Diana pulled a “tough trick” and, according to Lownie, “let Sarah Ferguson do it on her own and basically learned from how the royal family treated Sarah Ferguson about how she would handle the divorce herself.”

Diana and Charles married in 1981, separated in 1992, and finalized their divorce in 1996. Diana died at age 36 following a car accident in Paris, a year later, in 1997. On the other hand, Ferguson and Andrew divorced in 1992 after ten years of marriage, although they remained friends. They maintained a close relationship and continued living together for many years. However, this past year has been rough for both of them. 

King Charles stripped his brother of his royal titles, amidst renewed scrutiny regarding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. As a part of the latest investigation, the government released a cache of documents connected to Andrew’s appointment as International Trade Envoy. Additionally, thanks to Lownie, the internet has also been buzzing about Ferguson’s alleged affair with a HipHop star.

As Lownie shared in his anecdotes and his recent book, Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, Diana and Ferguson were both prominent figures. However, even as they navigated the intense spotlight of the royal family, the distance between them grew significantly in the final years of Diana’s life.