Cape Town – The Duchess of York has had to deal with her fair share of scandal over the years.
Sarah Margaret Ferguson, at the time, became a member of the royal family when she tied the knot with the queen's second son in 1986. They went on to have two children together, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, before divorcing in 1996. Since, and even during their marriage, the tabloid press published scrutinised everything the duchess did.
One of the royal family's biggest fires to put out was that of the published photos of her vacationing with her new lover, John Bryan, where he was photographed sucking on the Duchess of York's toes. In another, she was seen topless.
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Now, in an exclusive with Vogue Arabia, 'Fergie' is opening up about being the "most misunderstood person" as Princess Beatrice put it, as she likens her struggle to what the Duchess of Sussex is currently going through.
"It must be hard for Meghan," she said. "I believe she is modern and fabulous. She was famous before. She is great. Why can't Meghan be great? Why can't she be celebrated?" she asked.
Just as they wrapped up their successful tour of Southern Africa, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said in a statement that they'd be taking legal action against the British tabloid press. Prince Harry said, "Unfortunately, my wife has become one of the latest victims of a British tabloid press that wages campaigns against individuals with no thought to the consequences – a ruthless campaign that has escalated over the past year, throughout her pregnancy and while raising our newborn son."
Meghan Markle revealed the extent of their alleged "ruthless campaign" in new court documents in November.
"I have been in Meghan's shoes, and I still am," the Duchess of York added in her interview with Vogue. "There's always a twist of negativity and it just gets so sad and tiring; it's hard and mean.
"I abhor bullying and I feel desperately sorry for the pain they must be going through because I've been through it," she said.
Sarah went on to discuss how she dealt with the negative headlines and her journey to finally get her to the place she is now.
She also touched on her relationship with Princess Diana, which could very well have been a saving grace for her – despite what people think – because the people's princess also endured her fair share of scrutiny from the press.
The duchess said, "I brought modern etiquette and fun, with Diana, Princess of Wales.
"Me and Diana had the best time. We really did, no question. I loved her with all my heart."
(Photo: Getty Images)