Fergie's Huge Fine for Excess Luggage and Lavish Spending
Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, became widely recognized for her extravagant lifestyle and spending habits following her marriage to Prince Andrew. One incident particularly showcased her opulent tendencies.
A Costly Flight from New York
Shortly after her wedding, Ferguson was fined nearly £1,000 for carrying over fifty pieces of excess luggage on a first-class flight from New York. The bags contained purchases worth about £33,000, including a teddy bear costing £515.
“Not even Joan Collins has this much,”
said a Heathrow baggage handler at the time, astonished by the sheer quantity of her belongings.
The palace offered no comment on who ultimately paid for Sarah’s expenses from that trip.
Lavish Lifestyle and Spending Habits
According to her financial advisor, John Bryan, Ferguson was spending more than £860,000 annually. Her expenses included £150,000 on gifts, £50,000 on flowers, and another £50,000 on parties. These figures painted a clear picture of her extravagant lifestyle.
Humble Beginnings Before Royal Life
Before joining the royal family, Sarah had a modest background marked by various ordinary jobs. She once cleaned ski chalets and worked at a publishing company.
“I cleaned lavatories when I was 18 and graduates' bedrooms; they all left it very messy. And then the waitress in a strudel house,”
she shared during an appearance on the Swedish television show Skavlan.
Author’s Summary
Fergie’s story contrasts humble beginnings with remarkable extravagance, showing how her royal life magnified both her charm and her excesses.