Prince Andrew was once known for his confession to his wife, Sarah Ferguson, stating, “I am a prince, then a naval officer, then a husband.” However, explosive claims from a new book titled “Entitled: The Real Story of the Duke of York” by royal biographer Andrew Lownie reveal a darker side to the Duke of York. According to the book, Andrew was a prolific womanizer in the early months of their marriage, allegedly sleeping with more than a dozen women within their first year as husband and wife.
The revelations from the book paint a picture of a man who was distracted from his royal duties and marriage by a string of affairs, even as his wife, the Duchess of York, was pregnant with their first child. The claims earned Andrew the nickname “Dirty Duke” behind closed doors in July 1986, when he married Sarah Ferguson in a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
The breakdown of their relationship was not solely due to clashing personalities or royal pressures, but also to Andrew’s alleged affairs, which reportedly began almost immediately after the honeymoon. The book claims that the Duke of York “slept with more than a dozen women before their first anniversary,” with the relentless rotation of women in his life being an open secret among courtiers and friends.
As the marriage between Andrew and Sarah crumbled, the arguments between them reportedly bordered on domestic violence. Sarah was said to be hurt by Andrew’s intentional absences, leading her to feel emotionally neglected and abandoned. The book highlights how Sarah viewed Andrew as ultra-privileged and not manly enough to satisfy her needs, both in and out of the bedroom.
Despite their early romance and quick fall for each other, cracks began to appear in Andrew and Sarah’s relationship. Andrew’s frequent absences as a naval officer left Sarah to navigate the challenges of royal life and motherhood largely on her own. While Sarah struggled emotionally, Andrew appeared unmoved and unavailable, leading to further strain on their marriage.
Sarah eventually sought affection elsewhere, beginning an affair with American playboy Steve Wyatt in 1989. Despite their separation in 1992 and divorce in 1996, Andrew and Sarah maintained a strange bond, continuing to live together and holiday with their daughters. The book suggests that guilt may play a part in Andrew’s enduring loyalty to Sarah, as she blames him for her infidelity during their marriage.
The tumultuous relationship between Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson is a compelling tale of love, betrayal, and enduring loyalty. The new book sheds light on the complexities of their marriage, revealing a side of the royal couple that was not widely known to the public.
