My Story

by Sarah Ferguson, Jeff Coplon

The Duchess of York provides a revealing look at Britain's royal family, her romance with and marriage to Prince Andrew, their divorce, and her new life

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Royalty, Memoir, Biography Memoir, British Literature

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Sarah Ferguson, former Duchess of York, is a British writer, charity patron, public speaker, film producer and television personality. She is the former wife of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, former Duke of York. Sarah has two daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie of York.

Reviews

[W · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the autobiography of Sarah Ferguson,Duchess of York and ex-wife of Prince Andrew.She was also unkindly given the title, Duchess of Pork,by the British tabloids.

A fast and fairly interesting read. She made her share of blunders,she paid the price.Most notably when the paparazzi snapped her topless,while she was spending time with an American.

In her defence,she writes that she was very lonely and Andrew spent a total of 40 days per year at home,because of his naval career.

Coming from a background as a commoner,she found the transition to the royal family a hard one. She was one of "the Merry Wives of Windsor",the other was Princess Diana.The tabloids watched their every move.

She describes her problems with the palace staff and the influential "grey men". As Prince Charles put it,"We don't run the palace staff,they run us."

She would run into a lot of financial difficulties and claims that she needed a lot more income than she had for the purpose of keeping up appearances as a member of the royal family.

However,according to her,Prince Andrew had an income of 35,000£ per year and was not a rich man.She,however,was not allowed to earn her own income.Meanwhile,the expenses on her wardrobe alone were considerable as she was not expected to use the same dress twice at public functions.

She is fairly open about acknowledging her own mistakes and how she let the royal family down.Her early life was also spent in financial difficulties as she did secretarial jobs and even had to clean toilets,before she married into the royal family.

Later on,she took on charitable causes and became a do gooder.The book highlights how difficult it is for a commoner to adjust to a royal role.It is hard being constantly on display and being judged by the public,the palace staff and the British tabloids.

It was interesting to read that long after the publication of this book,Sarah ran into more controversy.She was then reported to have accepted cash from Mazhar Mahmood,the News of the World reporter notorious for his sting operations.The cash offered was for access to Prince Andrew.

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name · Rating 5 out of 5]

ROYAL READS PROJECT

When you meet a great spirit," Long Legs explained, "you always have to help them through difficult times." - said by anonymous horse race coach to the Duchess of York and a philosophy most people have chosen to forget

I JUST NOW finished this book and I didn’t think twice about the five stars. This lady was one strong mood for ten years and it caused permanent damage to her psyche. She spoke her truth. It must have been frightening and one long anxiety attack. I cannot even imagine. I understand there have been some personal agreements between some people nowadays that I wish would be added in a revised edition.
So some people want to put all of this blame on her shoulders, want to say she’s a whiner etc. I don’t agree with that assessment. She suffered from personal persecution. And when that happens you lose all sense of self, you begin believing these false statements made about yourself, and she was blocked from gaining any positive affirmation. It’s almost like Royal gaslighting. I’m sure writing this book was quite cathartic as well as a way to grieve her losses. And she found her strength to take on the establishment.

[Sandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Whine, whine, poor me, everybody hates me. STFU. You married into the British Royal Family, into a life of luxury, your husband adored you and you fucked it up.

That is all.

[Maureen Kilroy Furtado · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book should be retitled "1001 Excuses for my Bad Behaviour" (see what I did there?)
Unlike the late Princess Diana, Sarah Ferguson was more than old enough and experienced enough to know what she was getting herself in to when she married Prince Andrew. She continuously blames the Royal monarchy for all of her public faux pas situations and when that becomes impossible to do, she attempts to lie herself in to your good grace. For instance, John Bryan wasn't sucking her goes in the famous paparazzi photo that officially sent her toppling, he was merely "playing Cinderella". The fact that she was topless at the time was simply a moot point. The fact that she was still married was irrelevant as well.
I really wanted to feel some compassion for her when I initially started reading the book because I always felt she was grossly misunderstood just because she lacked the polish that the Royal family wanted her to have, but after reading this ridiculous memoir I now believe she was simply a golddigger that wanted fame and fortune but none of the responsibilities that were expected of her title. Pass.

[Lynne Stringer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed hearing Sarah's story from her own lips, especially when it came to her difficulties with the 'grey men'. I have no problem believing that their influence within the royal family is very real and probably extremely difficult for an outsider to deal with. I thought the story seemed honest and thoughtfully told.

[Rio (Lynne) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I met Fergie a few years ago and she was lovely. I really wanted to read and like her book, but it was a total snooze fest. How can that be possible? One page was “Poor woah is me.” The next page “I’m broke.” The next page “I’m trying really hard to be relatable and nice...look at all the charities I’m doing!” The next page “Oh, my life is horrible, I only made $500,000 on my book.” “I’m broke again. Everything is the Establishment’s fault.” I’m not one who relates to the constant victim card. I don’t feel she ever really dived into her real story. Just a skim over, while trying to be liked for constant bad decisions...which were never her fault.

[Cheryl Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read this book I could not put it down, it was the fastest book I'd ever read to be honest. She tells such an interesting tale and you can not recant her words as anything but 100% honest. Her story of the beginning and the end of her experiences with the Royal family is fascinating and she discusses such moments in great detail. I admired her greatly before I read the book, and became a fan and supporter of her ambitions, continued struggles and her many successes after.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very guilty read, but enjoyable. I don't know that this book would appeal to readers who are not interested in the royals, but I have to admit to a fascination with almost anything British. I think the Duchess of York was treated pretty shabbily by the royal family, as Diana was, but she also made some embarrassing mistakes. She comes off as a very real, down-to-earth person, and I liked her.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

How can someone tell you everything without really telling you nothing at all? That is how I felt this book read. I really didn't walk away with a greater understanding Fergie. In many ways it seems like she takes responsibility for her actions, but then she puts a lot of blame on the Gray Men and The Firm. She makes it sound like she and Andrew have unconditional love for each other - still - yet they are divorced. I can see where she was never shown how to be a Royal, but she never really asked about what she should be doing or her responsibilities. I can see how the press treated her is very similar to Diana and even Kate today. Have just ran my first marathon she talks about the challenges of doing a marathon on a horse - um, try being your own horse. In the end she talks about knowing herself and the strength she now has, but overall the book felt whiny. I really wanted to enjoy the book more and gain more understanding of Fergie and the Royal family - I failed on all accounts.

[Helen Robare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah, The Duchess of York has always been my favorite Royal and this book only adds to that. I saw this book at my local library book sale and grabbed it immediately. Best fifty cents I've ever spent! Sarah was very honest about her shortcomings and why she did the things she did. The girl in this book did not ask to fall in love with a Prince whose life was strictly structured. I enjoyed learning about Sarah's childhood and how she grew up to be the person she is as an adult. I also saw a side of the Queen's staff that I did not know about and now I wonder if the Queen herself realizes that the "gray men" have as much control over her (and the lives of her family) as they do. I admire Sarah Ferguson for writing this (and the others) books and getting the truth out there for people to see/know about. Do I believe everything in this book? No. Why? Because everyone sees things differently and what is the truth for one person may not be the entire truth. But, this book does give a good look into the lives of a person involved with the English Monarchy.

[Zosi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for my grandma and decided to read it before passing it on, as I really didn’t know anything about Sarah Ferguson. I really enjoyed this book; she speaks very openly and candidly about everything that happened to her and her struggles both in and out of the monarchy. I’m curious to know what she’s up to now, more than 20 years after this book was published.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

So happy I read this. During the time that she was experiencing this, I was going through my own "drama". I hardly knew what the weather was, let alone what was going on in the world. It is sad that their separation had to come about, and then eventually, the divorce. They truly loved each other, protocol got in the way. Fergie would have found the same treatment in all income and social strata, though. There is always someone some where that is not content with people being individuals and living life the way they choose.........the vast majority of people must judge others and make their opinions known. Among the elite of the world there is a certain amount of paranoia that makes them think everyone has an ulterior motive to what they do, she had to contend with a very large group of them. I always thought Fergie to be a beautiful woman with deep compassion and it is too bad she was so insecure. I hope that as time went by she was able to overcome that idea and enjoy who she is and what she is to her family, friends, and those she has helped. The rest do not matter.

[Utena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once the darling of the media and the British Royal Family, Sarah Ferguson was considered to be more popular than that of her best friend, the late Diana, Princess of Wales because of her outgoing personality.

That was until she was caught topless with a man not her husband sucking on her toe.

This books falls along the lines of a "woe-is-me" and a stretch of truth over her behavior. To me, she doesn't even seem to be remorseful toward any of it but preferring to blame it entirely on being "bullied" by others. I would have thought as a friend of Princess Diana she would have known what was expected of her and acted accordingly. I understand the need to want to do things your way but when you marry into a family such as a monarchy, you also need to understand that there are rules that one still must follow.

I am not sure whether I feel sorry for her at this point. She did make her bed and now you must lie in it.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bored me to tears. I love the inside information on the Royals, and that is about all I liked about this book. There is too much whining, and crying, and complaining and more whining. Good grief. She tries at the end to show how far she's come... but I don't buy it. Self-esteem and self-respect were at zero. Problem is... when one has no self-esteem/respect, that person cannot be trusted. She needs to really make every effort to stop the negative self-talk and maybe begin taking responsibility for her actions.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book that I read on the plane trip home from Germany. Even a princess can have problems with insecurity, but she conquered them and went on to lead HER life in the way that worked best for her and her daughters. She's made quite a difference in many peoples' lives (including my own) and I took much strength from her honesty.

[Carol Cropp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly Sarah Ferguson seems to have a 'self destruct' button that she presses more times then is good for her! And she seems aware of this but still seems to do it! I did enjoy reading this book even though I think she gave in to easily!

[Betsy Solorio · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was hoping for juicy stories about the Royal family...I was sorely disappointed.

[LemonLinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in honor of the upcoming royal wedding of Kate and Will. I wanted to read something connected to the royal family and I found this one on my shelves having taken it from my mother's house. I really liked it even more than I had expected. If possible, I would give it 3.5 stars.

It was a very interesting story of an "ordinary" girl who found herself in a most unlikely place - wife to a prince. She found the life of a prince's wife to be overwhelming with expectations of exact behavior and no place for individuality or retention of one's own wants and desires. A girl who had always tried too hard to please everyone around her was now in an impossible situation. It did get a bit old with the constant self-hatred, but likely that was a very important part of the story ultimately leading to divorce and a complete separation from all things royal.

And Fergie has a way of worming her way into the heart of the reader. Now I just find myself annoyed that she did not get an invitation to the wedding of Kate and Will. I hope that Kate will take note from this story and hold on tightly at least in part to some sense of self.

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a frank and candid account of Sarah Ferguson's time with the Royal family.
From her childhood, her schooling, insecurities, her parents divorce and subsequent remarriages, her courtship with Andrew and what its like to be part of "The Firm" and the gruelling rules it commands.
Eventually the pressure from within and without took its toll to the point the then wonder couple divorced but even so Sarah found herself hounded by the press and palace representatives and general tabloid detractors who wished her ill and how she eventually found the strength of will to break through and take care of herself and her family.
A great read.

[Aja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really juicy but definitely a one woman pity party. I mean, I get that being in the royal family could be isolating and awful, as a matter of fact this book has turned me off the idea once and for all. But I honestly could not understand how she managed her money so poorly and was always jetting off on vacations. I mean it's a nice life if you can hack it but c'mon. While I did enjoy this book a great deal, there's a whole lot of "poor little rich girl" going on which is sometimes unbearable.

[Rhina Guidos · Rating 3 out of 5]

got it for 5O cents at the thrift store for easy reading on the train. skipped a lot of parts because it gets repetitive and she victimizes herself a little too much. there are obvious problems of paranoia in her acct. but some parts are pretty interesting, esp. when you see a regular person suddenly become royalty and experiences the trappings. parts fascinating, parts boring but if you're trapped on a plane or train, it keeps you entertained. easy reading.

[Susan Mcswain · Rating 5 out of 5]

What insight this brave young woman gained through such adversity as she experienced from some very cruel, controlling people, especially the Grey Men, as they were known. What a wonderful thing for her to realize her own worth and value in spite of the events as a Royal that occurred. What a great at statement in her "I am my own woman now, ready to go forward. I have my life back, and I will not let go of it". She has accomplished so much and helped so many that she should be applauded!

[Bibliobee · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a mess. The writing was weighed down by over use of analogies, metaphors and melodrama. The content painted a portrait of someone desperate to correct her public image while skimming over and then taking zero responsibility for her own actions and then their consequences. I usually enjoy memoirs and autobiographies, but this was impossible to enjoy with the subject coming off entirely unlikable.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The life of a royal sounds absolutely horrid! No wonder Meghan Markle is already complaining. I gained a much better understanding of how the royal family, its staff, and the press will go to whatever means necessary to keep you in line. For a woman like Fergie, who literally reminded us of her low self esteem and lack of confidence on every page ad nauseum, the royal life would have done her in. She is much better off on the outside looking in.

[Samuel Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated the Duchess of York's candor, but sometimes it came across as obscene. She did admit to causing damage and shirking duty, but there was a pathetic and self-serving undertone to the whole book.

There was a very serious message of redemption and I appreciated her resolve to move forward and be a force of good.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am sure it is very difficult to adjust from a normal life, to a life as a royal. But this book comes off a little paranoid, everyone was out to get her. She does admit to her mistakes, but I would have liked to have read a more balanced account. Also, this book was written in 1996, before Diana died. A lot has changed since then. I wonder if Sarah's perspective has changed, too.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

#6 of 120 books pledged to read during 2018

It's still puzzling why Sarah thought cheating on her husband would be a good remedy to being constantly upbraided by the royal advisers for unacceptable behavior, especially since she says she still loves Prince Andrew and it appears he is still devoted to her. However, she does make a good case for being treated very badly by the powers that be.

[Susan Elizabeth Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too much time was spent on the Duchess' self-loathing, however it was written over a decade ago when she was much younger and immature. I enjoyed reading her perspective on the royals and the committments and sacrifices they make.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well-written insightful look into the life of this amazing woman. She is very forthright and open about every aspect of her life. Gives an in depth look at what it is like to be a part of the Royal Family; good or bad. She shares with us all her highs and lows. Fascinating read.

[Kellie Uhrig · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to give this book a one star because I just couldn't stand her, but it was interesting. I just can't imagine that 500 years from now those in the future will enjoy reading a book about her as "historical fiction" (as I enjoy historical fiction by P. Gregory and others).