How Princess Diana Used Fergie As A ‘Constant Source Of Intelligence’ Before Charles Divorce

Sarah Ferguson, Princess Diana and Prince Charles — Charles And Diana's Relationship Analysis Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

Princess Diana used Sarah Ferguson in the months leading up to her divorce from Prince Charles. The late royal saw Fergie as an example of what she didn’t want to happen to her after if she’s no longer married to the heir to the throne.

In the book “The Diana Chronicles,” royal author Tina Brown said that the Princess of Wales saw Sarah as her source of intelligence on how to deal with the Windsors. Since their separation and divorce from their respective husbands happened around the same time, Princess Diana saw how Fergie was bested by the royal family.

Princess Diana’s former media advisor, Jane Atkinson, told Brown that Princess Diana found comfort in talking to Prince Andrew’s ex-wife in the months leading up to her divorce from Prince Charles. And if Prince William and Prince Harry’s mom didn’t frequent Sarah’s place at that time, she would have gone mad.

According to Brown, Prince Andrew’s ex-wife was stampeded into making a rash decision by her ex-husband’s family over her divorce from the Duke of York. After seeing what happened to Sarah, Princess Diana took her time and also came up with her own terms.

Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew — Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, talks with ex-husband HRH Prince Andrew, Duke of York, as they wait for daughter HRH Princess Beatrice of York to complete the Virgin London Marathon as part of the 'Caterpillar Run' Team. Indigo/Getty Images)

In May 1992, Princess Diana spoke with Queen Elizabeth II, and she gave her all of her demands and somehow threatened her. If Her Majesty would refuse her demands, she would withdraw her consent to divorce Prince Charles.

“[Diana] brooded on how Fergie’s prospects in the outside world were plummeting now it was clear her royal initials would be confiscated,” Brown said. “Diana had a dread of descending into her sister-in-law’s world, leveraging her tiara to pay for her highlights. She wanted no part of such horrors,” she added.

According to previous reports, Fergie received £7 million from Prince Andrew’s trust fund after their divorce. She also received £3 million in a financial settlement.

Princess Diana, on the other hand, received £17 million and £400,000 a year in settlement after her divorce from Prince Charles. Following Princess Diana’s tragic death on Aug. 31, 1997, it is believed that her settlement money was passed on to her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.