Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has made what appears to be a thinly-veiled criticism of Meghan Markle during a candid new interview that's set to raise eyebrows at Buckingham Palace.
The 64-year-old royal, who faced intense media scrutiny during her marriage to Prince Andrew, spoke openly about navigating public life and offered what many will interpret as pointed advice directed at the Duchess of Sussex.
The Subtle Comparison
While discussing her own experiences with the press, Ferguson emphasised her commitment to "staying on message" and maintaining a consistent public persona - a stark contrast to Meghan and Harry's various media appearances since stepping back from royal duties.
"I always stay on message," Ferguson declared, adding that she remains "always Sarah" regardless of the situation. This comment will likely be seen as a reference to the Sussexes' evolving public narrative since their departure from the Royal Family.
Experience Versus Expectation
Having been part of the royal fold since marrying Prince Andrew in 1986, Ferguson possesses decades of experience dealing with the unique pressures of royal life. Her remarks highlight the vast difference between her long-term navigation of royal protocols and Meghan's relatively brief tenure as a working royal.
Ferguson's approach suggests a philosophy of adaptation and perseverance within the institution, rather than the public critique and departure path chosen by Harry and Meghan.
Media Strategy Differences
The Duchess of York's comments also shed light on contrasting media strategies. While Meghan and Harry have pursued high-profile interviews and documentary deals, Ferguson has maintained a more traditional relationship with the press, despite occasionally facing negative coverage.
Her emphasis on consistency and message discipline presents a very different model of royal-adjacent public relations to that adopted by the Sussexes.
Royal Family Dynamics
This latest development adds another layer to the complex relationships within the extended royal family. While Ferguson herself has experienced periods of tension with the institution, her comments suggest alignment with traditional royal approaches to media and public duty.
The subtle nature of her criticism reflects the delicate balancing act faced by all royal figures when commenting on family matters publicly.
