Sarah Ferguson’s new children’s book, titled Flora And Fern: Kindness Along The Way, has been withdrawn from sale ahead of its scheduled release. The book was set to be published on October 9, 2023, but it has now been marked as “withdrawn from sale” at the request of its publisher, New Frontier Publishing, according to NielsenIQ Book Data. Although the book was briefly available for pre-order on Amazon, the publisher has not provided any official comments regarding the withdrawal.
The news comes on the heels of a series of controversies surrounding Ferguson, particularly her association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Last month, Waterstones bookstores indicated that the publication date for Ferguson’s book had been “moved,” but they did not announce a new release date.
Industry experts believe that the timing of the book’s release was not ideal. Neill Denny, from the book trade news website Book Brunch, remarked, “It makes total sense commercially. You have to imagine it’s to do with the current controversies. It’s not the right time to release a book by Sarah Ferguson.” He added that delaying the publication mitigates financial risk, stating, “It’s not the sort of book that’s going to age.”
Ferguson’s reputation has been significantly affected by her association with Epstein. Earlier this year, an email she sent to Epstein in 2011 surfaced, in which she apologised for distancing herself from him following his 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for sex. A source close to Ferguson explained that the email was sent “in panic” and without legal advice, noting that she feared potential legal repercussions.
As a result of the ongoing scandal, Ferguson has reportedly lost her title as the Duchess of York and has faced challenges in maintaining her earning power. Socialite and party planner Liz Brewer noted that while Ferguson has always been “very personable,” she currently faces difficulties at high-society events. “People, unfortunately, are not brave enough to make their own minds up. She’s in a very difficult position,” Brewer commented.
In addition to losing social standing, Ferguson has been dropped by several charities and media outlets. Reports suggest that she is exploring options to restore her finances. One possibility is a high-profile interview with Oprah Winfrey, who has previously hosted Ferguson twice, in 1996 following her separation from Prince Andrew and in 2010 after an undercover sting by News of the World. Such an interview could potentially earn Ferguson up to $1 million (approximately $1.5 million AUD).
Another potential project on Ferguson’s horizon is a memoir detailing her experiences within royal life, which could also attract significant financial interest, possibly fetching a six-figure sum. As Ferguson navigates this challenging chapter, the future of her literary endeavors remains uncertain, with the recent withdrawal of her book serving as a notable setback.
