Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, faces renewed scrutiny following the withdrawal of her latest children’s book, “Flora and Fern: Kindness Along the Way.” This decision comes less than two months after she publicly stated she would “never have anything to do with Epstein again.” The book, which focuses on two rabbits learning about kindness and community during a city adventure, was set to be a follow-up to her previous release, “Flora and Fern: Wonder in the Woods,” published last year.
Ferguson’s previous links to Jeffrey Epstein have already caused quite an uproar. He then personally made a £15,000 payment towards her debts, which has only intensified the public pressure. As scrutiny has increased about her ties to Epstein and her former husband, Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, thousands of copies of the new book have been snatched off bookstore shelves. According to reports, these copies are being incinerated. This latest action is consistent with widespread concern over her strong ties to Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
Beyond the book’s withdrawal, Ferguson has to deal with possible personal consequences. According to recent reports she may soon lose her long-term home at Royal Lodge in Windsor. She has made that village home for over thirty years. The withdrawal of the book signals the final note in Ferguson’s fiery and controversial public life.
During this time, Sarah Ferguson has written and illustrated over 50 children’s books. Her writing career spans 40 years and includes a slew of romantic fiction. In 2011, she released a memoir titled “Finding Sarah: A Duchess’s Journey to Find Herself,” which detailed her journey of rebuilding her life after hitting rock bottom.
The now-resolved saga illustrates the difficult path that public figures need to walk when their past behavior is suddenly up for review. Ferguson’s changed tune on Epstein has left many wondering just how seriously she intends to break with the ugly past.
“never have anything to do with [Epstein] again” – The Guardian