Sarah, Duchess of York celebrates her 55th birthday on 15 October. Prince Andrew's former wife, who currently resides in Windsor, is expected to mark the occasion with family and close friends. To mark the Duchess' big day, HELLO! Online have gathered a list of ten facts about the royal.
© Photo: Getty ImagesHappy birthday Sarah!
1. Sarah was born in London on 15 October 1959, the second daughter of Major Ronald Ferguson and Susan Mary Wright. 2. From a young age, the future Duchess would find herself in the company of Britain's royal family, and over regular polo matches Sarah became close to Prince Andrew. 3. In March 1986, royal fans were overjoyed as it was announced Andrew and Sarah would marry. Four months later the nuptials took place at Westminster Abbey, with millions watching around the world.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe newly married couple waving to the crowds from Buckingham Palace
4. Upon marriage, Andrew and Sarah were given the titles the Duke and Duchess of York. 5. Two years after their wedding, in August 1988, the couple welcomed their first daughter, Princess Beatrice, who was followed by Princess Eugenie in 1990.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duchess with her two daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie
6. In 1992, it was announced Andrew and Sarah would be separating. Despite officially divorcing, the couple have remained extremely close. In 2013, there were rumours of a reconciliation. Sarah's spokesman explained they were untrue, but reaffirmed the couple were committed to being: "Joint parents and best friends, and to try and set the best example for the girls."7. In 2011, the flame-haired royal took part in Oprah Winfrey's mini-series Finding Sarah which followed her around as she carried out her daily life. The show proved a ratings success and was shown around the world.
© Photo: Getty ImagesSarah and Prince Andrew have a great relationship, here they are pictured supporting daughter Beatrice as she ran the London marathon
8. The Duchess is an avid user of Twitter and has currently amassed over 78,000 followers, including her former husband. 9. Since her separation from the Duke, she has continued to work in the public eye – becoming a representative for Weight Watchers. 10. The Duchess, who is sometimes referred to by the press as "Fergie", became friends with former Black Eyed Peas' singer Fergie in 2006. This was after the singer named her album The Dutchess, referring to the fact the two are sometimes confused. The spelling "Dutchess," while nonstandard in contemporary English, was historically a valid spelling. After the album's release, the royal phoned Fergie to ask her to perform at a charity concert she was organising, with the singer happily accepting.
