Sarah Ferguson’s new children’s book, Flora And Fern: Kindness Along The Way, has been withdrawn from sale by its publisher, New Frontier Publishing. The book was initially scheduled for release on October 9, 2023. While it briefly appeared as available on Amazon with a listing for November 20, data from NielsenIQ confirmed to the BBC that it has been marked as “withdrawn from sale” at the publisher’s request.
The decision to halt the release comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding Ferguson. A spokesperson for New Frontier Publishing has not yet responded to inquiries from the BBC regarding the withdrawal. The situation has raised concerns in the publishing industry, with Neill Denny from the book trade news site Book Brunch commenting that it is “commercially sensible” to delay the publication given the current climate.
Waterstones bookstores recently informed the BBC that the publication date for the book had been “moved,” without providing a new timeline for its release. Denny noted that the timing is crucial, stating, “It’s not the right time to release a book by Sarah Ferguson. It’s not the sort of book that’s going to age, and you’re not risking a lot of money by holding it back.”
Ferguson’s reputation has suffered significantly in recent years, particularly following her involvement in the scandal related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This past year, an email she wrote to Epstein in 2011, which surfaced publicly, revealed her apology for distancing herself from him after his 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for sex. A source close to Ferguson stated that the email was written “in panic” and without legal advice, fearing potential libel action from Epstein.
While Ferguson was once a prominent figure at high-society events, socialite and party planner Liz Brewer noted that she is currently unwelcome in those circles. Brewer remarked, “People, unfortunately, are not brave enough to make their own minds up. She’s in a very difficult position.” Furthermore, Ferguson has reportedly been dropped by multiple charities and media outlets, further complicating her public standing.
In light of her financial challenges, Ferguson is exploring options to restore her income. Reports indicate that she may be considering a highly publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey, who has previously hosted her in 1996 following her separation from Prince Andrew and again in 2010 after a scandal involving an undercover sting. Such an interview could potentially yield up to $1 million (AUD 1.5 million). Additionally, Ferguson is contemplating a memoir detailing her experiences in royal life, which could also provide a significant financial boost.
The withdrawal of Flora And Fern: Kindness Along The Way highlights the complexities facing public figures in the wake of personal controversies. As Ferguson navigates this turbulent period, the future of her literary endeavors—and her public image—remains uncertain.
