Sarah Ferguson stunned Queen Elizabeth II by making just one surprising demand during her divorce from Prince Andrew, it has been claimed. Instead of seeking a large financial settlement as palace insiders had expected, the Duchess of York asked Her Majesty for friendship.
Speaking in 2007, she recalled: “When I met with Her Majesty about it, she asked, ‘What do you require, Sarah?’ and I said, ‘Your friendship.'”
The revelation highlighted the couple’s unusually amicable split, which saw them famously describe themselves as “the happiest divorced couple” while continuing to co-parent and even live together at Royal Lodge for years.
Ms Ferguson has maintained she never wanted the divorce but accepted it due to circumstances, including Andrew’s naval career limiting their time together. Their close post-divorce bond endured until Andrew vacated Royal Lodge in early 2026, cementing a relationship built on communication rather than cash.