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Sarah Ferguson has announced that she will be releasing the first part of her new children's picture book series later this year, titled "Flora and Fern One Wonder in the Woods". Ferg's words will be accompanied by illustrations by Dennis Hughes, with the story following the tikula rabbits on a festive snowy adventure in the woods. The book will be published on October 10th this year.
The synopsis reads: "Flora and Fern are preparing for their festive party but when they head out into the snow to gather everything for the occasion, things don't go according to plan. Will they still be able to have their friends in the woods and have their celebration?"
The Duchess of York and former wife of Prince Andrew said of her new book, "I'm thrilled to be working with New Frontier on this brand new children's picture book series and can't wait for families to meet Flora and Fern and join them on this festive adventure. I can't thank Dennis Hughes enough for bringing their forest world to life with the most beautiful illustrations, along with so much joy and celebration. I also wanted to leave readers with a message about the power of community and connection to the world around you - a spirit very close to my heart."
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The news comes as Prince Andrew, with whom Fergie remains close and still lives with him at the Royal Lodge, faces ongoing financial difficulties regarding the upkeep of his palace. With the Duchess' friends suggesting she could help him, he has been fighting his brother King Charles to be able to stay at the property, for which he signed a 75-year lease in 2003. It was agreed that he should be able to pay for upkeep if he wanted to stay there.
Inside sources revealed to Express.co.uk the full extent of the repairs needed inside and outside the Royal Lodge. Although the Duke of York has no official income, he is adamant he can cover the costs. The insider said, "The immediate impression you get when you walk into the house is that it's like Miss Havisham's house - unloved. It's also very cold in there. There are fewer stuff and simple chores like opening windows and letting a little air in are rarely done. Like all houses of that era, Royal Lodge needs ventilation - it only aggravates the damp and causes mold. Sometimes the power is cut off so they can address the wet spots on the walls, but this is just a cosmetic fix. Just as you finish some parts, someone else needs the whole place to be addressed."
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Despite Andrew being excluded as a member of the royal family due to his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, Fergie has always stuck by her ex-husband. The Duchess of York has always remained loyal to Andrew, with royal expert and Majesty magazine editor-in-chief Ingrid Seward explaining that Fergie has pledged his support. Miss Seward told the ITV's Royal Rota program, "The late Queen Elizabeth likely spoke to Fergie to ensure her son was protected after her death."
With the costs of upkeeping the sprawling Royal Lodge reportedly mounting, some experts suggest that Sarah Ferguson's new venture into children's publishing could provide a helpful revenue stream to assist her ex-husband Prince Andrew with meeting the property's expenses. With a worldwide publishing deal and what is anticipated to be strong sales for the new "Flora and Fern" series, the proceeds from Fergie's books have the potential to generate a significant income stream over the coming years.
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As part of their divorce settlement in 1996, Sarah Ferguson retained the use of Royal Lodge as her official residence after vacating Buckingham Palace. She has lived there with Prince Andrew since their separation. While the divorce terminated the couple's marriage legally, they have remained on good terms and presenting a united front in support of one another, including coordinating media appearances together. Their continued cohabitation at Royal Lodge despite divorcing underscores the close personal bond that persists between the divorced royal couple after over 30 years together.
Now over 60 years old, royal insiders report that the 30-bedroom Royal Lodge property is aging and in need of repairs that could total millions over the coming years to maintain the heritage buildings and 32-acre grounds to the standards expected of a royal residence. In addition to the costs of maintenance, there are household staff salaries, property taxes and utilities to consider. However, without an official royal income supporting the property expenses, Andrew's ability to fund the upkeep costs alone could prove challenging. Some question marks remain over whether he will be able to cover the substantial repair bill himself as he has claimed, given his forced departure from public life.
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Against this backdrop, observers speculate that the prospective profits from Sarah Ferguson's new book series deal could provide a timely boost to assist royal finances at the house she shares with Prince Andrew. As his closest remaining supporter within the royal family, Fergie launching a successful self-funded publishing career in her 60s parallels her long-term loyalty to Andrew through both marital success and failure. If the "Flora and Fern" books achieve the commercial reception anticipated, the income could help relieve some of the reported pressure building over Royal Lodge's rising maintenance bills in the years ahead. Time will tell if this proves to be another example of the duchess tangibly assisting her former husband through difficult circumstances, as she has consistently done for decades.
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