Before Sarah Ferguson was embroiled in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, she was securing six-figure paychecks.

According to royal biographer Andrew Lownie, World Online paid the author $350K for 20 days of work to be their 1999 spokesperson. World Online marketing director Rob van der Linden offered the mom of two the position, which included a $150,000 non-refundable advance to participate in the company's stock option plan.

Lownie wrote in a Stubstack post that Ferguson was able to use the company's private jet to travel around Europe, even getting to sit in first class. During her time with World Online, the famous redhead was reportedly given access to an assistant, security services, beauty treatments and a stylist.

While Ferguson's time as a royal and public figure once included lavish perks, her career opportunities are now dwindling. As Wonderwall previously reported, Ferguson's upcoming children's book, Flora and Fern: Along the Way, was shelved after it was revealed she called Epstein a "supreme friend" in an email.

MONARCHY NEWS

Sarah Ferguson's new children's book is being "pulped" now she's a well known nobody.

Copies of the former Duchess of York's twee book, 'Flora and Fern: Kindness Along the Way', are "being sent to the recycling centre".

The book was set to be published in October… pic.twitter.com/yfZCYh7abf

— Grouse Beater (@Grouse_Beater) November 19, 2025

"This is yet another indication that she is now considered a toxic brand," British royals expert Hilary Fordwich said. "Charities have dropped her, and friends are distancing themselves. She has a bleak future in England."

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams had a similar opinion.

"The axing of her children's book shows she has no future as a children's author," he said. "It is highly unlikely she'll find a way back from this."

Ferguson's rep later addressed why she chose to email Epstein after denouncing his crimes against children and young women.

"Like many people, she was taken in by [Epstein's] lies. As soon as she was aware of the extent of the allegations against him, she not only cut off contact but condemned him publicly, to the extent that he then threatened to sue her for defamation for associating him with pedophilia," the statement read. 

Sarah Ferguson could go into the adult fiction genre after her ties to Jeffrey Epstein and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor put an end to her career. After it was revealed Ferguson called the disgraced financier a "supreme friend" in an email, charities cut ties with the ex-duchess, and her upcoming children's book, Flora and Fern: Along the Way, was scrapped.

"There is a sense she feels boxed in. Writing under a pseudonym would let her test the waters without the baggage of her name," a source told RadarOnlinecom. "She has talked openly about wanting to reinvent herself. The idea of a raunchier series, something completely different, has definitely been floated."

Royal experts viewed the news of Ferguson's book being shelved as proof of her dwindling star power.

"This is yet another indication that she is now considered a toxic brand," British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital. "Charities have dropped her, and friends are distancing themselves. She has a bleak future in England."

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams echoed similar sentiments, stating, "The axing of her children's book shows she has no future as a children's author. It is highly unlikely she'll find a way back from this."

Ferguson previously denounced Epstein and his crimes, but her friendly email to the controversial figure caused many supporters to question her true intentions. Though the author has yet to speak out about the scandal, her team addressed why she chose to contact Epstein after his arrest.

"Like many people, she was taken in by [Epstein's] lies. As soon as she was aware of the extent of the allegations against him, she not only cut off contact but condemned him publicly, to the extent that he then threatened to sue her for defamation for associating him with pedophilia," a rep for Ferguson said in a statement. 

"She does not resile from anything she said then," the rep continued. "This email was sent in the context of advice the duchess was given to try to assuage Epstein and his threats."

Meghan Markle — who continues to use her Duchess of Sussex title professionally — is being called out for trying to stay close to the royal family.

"It's her way of irritating other royals. She walked out of being a royal six years ago, but she's still desperate to be something, but just can't do it," royal biographer Angela Levin wrote on X alongside her new Harper's Bazaar's cover.

It's her way of irritating other royals. She walked out of being a royal six years ago but she's still desperate to be a something but just can't do it. https://t.co/6bIgQDvnL6

— Angela Levin (@angelalevin1) November 20, 2025

In the first season of With Love, Meghan, Meghan corrected Mindy Kaling for using her maiden name, but she failed to clarify whether she goes by "Meghan Sussex" or "Meghan, Duchess of Sussex."

@evie.magazine

Meghan Markle's new show is receiving a lot of hate online. One of the more viral moments from "With Love, Meghan" was when Mindy Kaling repeatedly referred to Markle as "Meghan Markl." Markle, smiling, corrected her: "It's so funny you keep saying Meghan Markle; you know I'm Sussex now." #royalfamily

♬ original sound – Evie Magazine

"It's our shared name as a family, and I guess I hadn't recognized how meaningful that would be to me until we had children," Meghan told People while promoting the premiere of her cooking show, which featured the awkward moment with Kaling. "I love that that is something that Archie, Lili, H and I all have together. It means a lot to me."

"I think as the kids get older, they're so excited about, 'Oh my gosh, Mama and Papa, how did you meet?' I think that will come with time as they get older, but for right now, a huge part of our love story is that we share the name Sussex," Meghan added.

In a separate interview, Meghan revealed her passport and legal identification lists "Meghan, Duchess of Sussex" as her legal name.

"But it's a complicated one for people to understand, because a last name is not typical in that construct," Meghan said on The Circuit, adding Sussex is "not" her last name, "but it's used roughly, or loosely, rather."

"It sounds so silly to say. And I get it, because I'm American, and then I went there, and I started to understand," Meghan explained. "But then you come back and as an American, you go, 'I'm so confused.'"

Meghan and Prince Harry were given the title Sussex, a county in the U.K., after their historic wedding day.

"It's a dukedom," Meghan said. "So, that's the truth of it. But at the end of the day, you know, yes. My legal name is Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, but Sussex for us works as our family name, and it's the name that we share with our children."

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's friendship with Jeffrey Epstein put an end to his royal career, but one royal expert believes there may be a possible "road to public redemption" for the former duke.

"I think that Andrew's quickest road to some kind of public redemption would be to engage with the American authorities and to shed some light on what he knew about Jeffrey Epstein and what he saw behind closed doors," royal historian Ed Owens told Daily Express.

"I think there is an understanding on his part that he is never going to restore his status, but he has an opportunity to put the record straight," Owens stated, adding that U.S. authorities "would come at some personal risk to Andrew."

Andrew could be in hot water again after Congress voted for the Department of Justice to release the Epstein files.

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi told BBC's Newsnight he wants Mountbatten-Windsor to share what he knows with Congress. "I would go so far as to subpoena him," Krishnamoorthi said.

"I would go so far as to subpoena him"

Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, who sits on the Oversight Committee, tells @mattchorley that he wants Andrew to testify before Congress#Newsnight pic.twitter.com/uLwUS7J53A

— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) October 31, 2025

"Come clean. Come before the U.S. Congress, voluntarily testify. Don't wait for a subpoena," Krishnamoorthi continued. "Come and testify and tell us what you know."

Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre previously accused Mountbatten-Windsor of assault, and her posthumous memoir led to the scandal resurfacing. Following the book's release, Buckingham Palace announced the former duke would no longer be able to use the "prince" title or live at Royal Lodge.

"A lot of work has been done by the Palace to implement a policy which has the effect of once and for all keeping Andrew from public view," Owens noted. "They know that he is a weeping sore that can continue to weep and would doubtless rather avoid that happening publicly."

In a formal statement, King Charles III and Queen Camilla shared their support with survivors of abuse after stripping Mountbatten-Windsor of his royal estate.

"His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the style, titles and honors of Prince Andrew. Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor," Buckingham Palace said in a statement. "His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence. Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation."

"These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him," the statement continued. "Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse."

Princess Diana was reportedly perplexed by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

According to Andrew Lownie's bombshell book, Entitled: The Rise And Fall Of The House Of York, the late Princess of Wales was not the biggest fan of her former brother-in-law.

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What Did Diana Think of Andrew?

In the explosive tell-all, the author alleged Diana said Andrew's personality type "wasn't for me" and described him as "not a doer."

"He was very, very noisy and loud. It occurred to me that there was something troubling him," Lownie claimed King Charles III's ex-wife said about the former Duke of York. "He seems very happy to sit in front of the television all day watching cartoons and videos." 

Charles Strips Andrew of His Titles

The leader of England stripped Andrew of his titles and evicted him and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, from Royal Lodge over their ties to Jeffrey Epstein and the claims of misconduct against the father of two.

"These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that [Andrew] continues to deny the allegations against him," a statement from Charles and The Firm read. "Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse."

Andrew was also removed from his position as Knight of the Order of the Garter and Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. Queen Elizabeth II previously removed his military and charity patronages in 2022. 

Andrew's Dismissal Might Ensure the Future of the Monarchy

Public relations expert Renae Smith believes Andrew's removal from royal life might have ensured the future of the monarchy.  "King Charles has proven he's a bit more of a doer, not just a talker. Definitely not as silent as his mother Queen Elizabeth II," she told Daily Express. 

"He's more decisive than people give him credit for and this shows he's willing to make uncomfortable calls when it protects the institution. It's a very different energy from the 'keep calm and carry on' approach of previous generations, it's firmer, cleaner and more modern. I'm a fan," she said. "That's how you control a narrative before it controls you. If they'd waited and then reacted to public outcry, it would make them look weak and able to be influenced."

Meghan Markle is under fire for kissing Prince Harry.

In the trailer for Netflix's With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, the Duchess of Sussex shared a smooch with her husband. However, not everyone was convinced by the loved-up display.

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With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration Trailer

In the special's preview, set to debut December 3, Meghan is seen preparing holiday dishes while welcoming her celebrity friends to help.

"I love the holiday season," the Suits actress gushes in the clip. "It's about finding time to connect with the people we love, embracing traditions and making new ones."

Harry appears in a short cameo as he kisses Meghan while eating a homemade Christmas treat.

A Body Language Expert Weighs in on Meghan and Harry's PDA

Body language expert Judi James isn't buying the couple's over-the-top display. "This kiss looks like something of a 'box-ticking' exercise from a woman who is seen skipping through her garden, clapping and smiling into mixing bowls to signal how she channels the magic of Christmas in the most idealistic way," she told Daily Express.

"The body language looks stylized and performative and this kiss with Harry appears to be a gesture of reward and praise for the fact that he has accepted a cameo role in this Meghan video," James continued.

The specialist claimed the Spare author looked "rather awkward and self-conscious" as he mixed "some small blob of food in a bowl or maybe enjoying his breakfast" while Meghan showered him with affection.

"He still wins a bestowed kiss from his ecstatic wife, though, who seems to be floating through this video on a bubble of festive goodwill and breathless excitement," she added. "Meghan stretches to kiss her surrendered-looking hubby with one hand around his neck and her own neck stretched and bared as she lands her lips on his in this expression of culinary-based love."

Meghan's Alleged Lack of Authenticity

The mother of two has struggled to build a loyal audience for the lifestyle show and a consumer base for her As Ever brand. According to Daily Express columnist Mieka Smiles, Meghan's hurdles stem from her inability to be authentic.

"A lot of her terrible press is brought on by her total inability to tell the truth about who she is. Because here in Britain we value truth-tellers," the journalist wrote. "Which is why Meghan's shtick has worn out so quickly."

Who knew holiday ornaments could be so divisive?

Social media users went wild after Britain's Selfridges department store released a line of Christmas tree decorations featuring Princess Diana and other members of the royal family.

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Princess Diana Christmas Tree Ornament

The late Princess of Wales is commemorated in the form of a $48 ornament. However, the public seemed baffled by how little the object — which depicts Diana with her signature "bixie" hairdo and iconic sheep sweater — resembles the real woman.

Diana memorably donned two different red wool Warm & Wonderful sweaters to polo matches in the early '80s. Both featured a single black sheep amid a herd of white sheep. On the second occasion, the princess wore the sweater over a white collared shirt with a black tie at the neck.

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Social Media Reaction

People on the internet were outraged by the portrayal of Diana as well as other members of The Firm.

"They're all hideous!" one commentator exclaimed below an article about the decorations.

"Who would even want such a thing?" a second person questioned.

"You must be a fool if you pay that for a bauble," a third chimed in.

"I think they need to get a real artist to make these for that price," another added.

"They look cheap and nasty. Seems that Selfridges have lost the plot. They should be embarrassed at having produced such tat," another said.

"I can't imagine anyone buying these," an additional person noted.

The Christmas tree ornaments resembling Prince William and Kate Middleton also drew heat.

"I definitely wouldn't buy any of these. Catherine's is a mess!" one person pointed out.

"Poor Kate!" another said.

Diana Allegedly Hated Christmas

According to reports, Princess Diana did not enjoy Christmas — especially not when she was forced to spend it with the rest of the royal family.

According to royal biographer and former friend Andrew Morton, who wrote Diana: Her True Story, the mother of two despised going with King Charles III to the royal family's Sandringham Estate for the holidays.

"I do all the presents and Charles signs the cards," Andrew recalled Diana telling him, adding that Christmas at Sandringham was "terrifying and so disappointing" with "no boisterous behavior, lots of tension, silly behavior, silly jokes that outsiders would find odd, but insiders understood."

Diana's former hairdresser Richard Dalton also backed the claim.

"The princess just hated going to Sandringham for Christmas. She told me it was freezing cold and dinner had to be over by 3 o'clock," he told Kitty Kelley for her book The Royals.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were left out of Selfridges' royal family Christmas collection of ornaments. The British department store released a range of baubles with King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Kate Middleton and Princess Diana as Christmas tree decorations, while the pair, who left the royal family in 2020, were nowhere to be seen.

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Story in the Express abt Harry & Meghan being snubbed by Selfridges & their RF Christmas baubles. I think it's safe to say they'll be slightly happy abt that looking at the state of these. £38-£40 each. Must have got the same person as the wax museum in Poland to design them 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/lqOHPcGTIY

— Liv💙🇮🇪💙 (@livysmith99) November 21, 2025

Fans of Meghan and Harry quickly mocked the special launch. "Wow, and they say Meghan thinks so highly of herself. This is beyond cringe," one person wrote on X.

"I thought this was a joke, these are real Xmas baubles? I think H&M will be ok to have been missed out on this occasion," another said.

While the Sussexes weren't included in the drop, Meghan is working on her own holiday launch for As Ever and With Love, Meghan. "I love the holiday season," the Duchess of Sussex said in the trailer for With Love, Meghan. "It's about finding time to connect with the people we love, embracing traditions and making new ones."

Before she released the teaser, the Suits star discussed the special while on a panel for Fortune. "Well, the holiday special is coming out in November. It's a really good one," Meghan said when asked if her show was renewed for a third season.

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex and founder of As Ever at Fortune Most powerful Women. pic.twitter.com/yfnBfw1KLb

— Alexis is sowing discord in the West (@ArchewellBaby) October 14, 2025

"So I think looking at that format — again, it's a year of learns — so we're able to say, 'Eight episodes for two seasons — it's a lot of work," Meghan added. "And having done Suits for seven years, I remember what goes into a production. I also recognize how much people want content in different sizes. Part of what we're testing out now is, it's amazing to sit and watch a show for 30 minutes, but how can I give you a recipe in two minutes? And where can I share that with you? And how that continues to grow As Ever."

Meghan and Harry's production company celebrated the news that the former actress is developing a series of Christmas-themed cooking episodes. "This December, join Meghan in Montecito for a magical holiday celebration," Archewell said in a statement. "Together, friends and family deck the halls, create holiday feasts, craft heartfelt gifts, and share lots of laughs — with simple how-tos to follow at home. It's a holiday wonder with warmth, tradition, and a generous dose of joy."