ComScore

Sarah Ferguson Reveals Queen Elizabeth’s Inspiring Final Words to Her

"It makes me cry"

queen elizabeth fergie 1
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

In November, I learned about Queen Elizabeth's last diary entry before her passing in September 2022, and it spoke volumes about her dedication to the Commonwealth. Now, Sarah Ferguson is opening up about the late queen's touching final words to her—and it says quite a lot about their close-knit relationship.

In a recent tell-all interview with The Times, the Duchess of York, 65, detailed how Britain's longest-reigning monarch was a constant source of encouragement and comfort—especially after she welcomed her daughter, Princess Beatrice. Then, the royal reflected on the queen's final six words to her, noting that they were the best advice she'd ever gotten.

Fergie explained, "I was huge, more than 14 stone when I had Beatrice in 1988, and I think I had postnatal depression. Everybody said, 'You’re the Duchess of Pork,' and I believed my critics. But the Queen never lost me. The best advice she gave me was the last thing she said to me: 'Sarah, remember that yourself is good enough.' It makes me cry."

sarah duchess of york and queen elizabeth
Georges De Keerle/Getty Images

In the interview, Ferguson also mentioned that the queen was like a mother—which explains why she affectionately called the monarch “Mumma" on several occasions.

She added, "Queen Elizabeth and I got on so well. My mum was her close friend so she knew me all my life and she loved me. The Queen was much more my mother than my mother was. I called her Mumma. She never let me down, even if I let her down. Even through the darkest days, she never left me. Though I still got nervous seeing her right up until the end because she was the Queen of England."

It's no secret that Sarah Ferguson and Queen Elizabeth shared a close relationship, and I've seen glimpses of it on social media. For instance, there was Ferguson's tribute to the late monarch in 2023.

To mark the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's funeral, Fergie shared a slideshow of photos and wrote, "The Queen was like a second mother to me and I will always be grateful for the love and understanding she showed me throughout her life."

It's also worth noting that the queen left her beloved corgis, Sandy and Muick, in Fergie's care, and the duchess has shared several updates on the pups. In honor of International Dog Day, she shared a photo with the dogs and wrote, "For all the unconditional love, loyalty, and joy they bring into our lives, Sandy and Muick will be getting an extra treat on their special day!" 

Always a treat to see the duchess honoring the late queen's memory.

Stay up-to-date on every breaking royal family story by subscribing here.



nakeisha campbell bio

Associate Editor, News and Entertainment

  • Writes celebrity news, TV/movie reviews and SEO-focused entertainment articles
  • Interviews celebrities and covers red carpet events
  • Has 8+ years of experience covering entertainment topics