Why Prince Harry and Meghan are constantly being compared to Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson

Ever since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal duties in 2020, the couple has been in the limelight for one reason or another. From Prince Harry’s ‘hypocrisy’ over a court case to claims that Meghan’s staff is ‘terrified of her,’ the couple have been relentlessly scrutinised.

Among the ongoing narratives surrounding them is a surprising comparison to another former royal duo: Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson—who may not be involved romantically but live together and support each other even today.

While these parallels may seem arbitrary, they’ve become a staple in royal discourse, ranging from their professional pursuits to their positions within the monarchy.

Meghan and Sarah Ferguson’s comparison

Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield has highlighted what she believes to be striking similarities between Meghan Markle and Sarah Ferguson’s career trajectories given that both women embraced the media and entertainment industries after their royal exits.

Over the years, Meghan has launched many media projects from her Netflix documentary to her $18M Spotify podcast. Meghan’s new Netflix show series With Love, Meghan blends lifestyle content with celebrity appearances from high-profile figures in entertainment and business sectors.

Sarah Ferguson, on the other hand, ventured into television years earlier, hosting shows like The Duchess in Hull and Finding Sarah: From Royalty to the Real World. According to Schofield, who spoke to Fox News:

Meghan's career path aligns much more with Sarah Ferguson's than any other rouge royal.

What’s more? Rumours that Meghan is working on releasing a cookbook are rife. Schofield revealed:

Rumours are swirling that Meghan has a cookbook on the horizon. That would pair well with Fergie's Dining with the Duchess: Making Everyday Meals a Special Occasion cookbook.

While many love to draw a parallel between the two women, there are many differences. Meghan was a well-established actress before she got married to Prince Harry—perhaps a big factor that separated the two. Another distinction could be their approach towards the Royal Family. Sarah has maintained a diplomatic relationship with the Firm as compared to Meghan’s criticism.

Yet, Sarah’s efforts to support Meghan are evident as in past interviews, Sarah has empathised with Meghan’s struggles. According to a 2019 Cosmopolitan report, Sarah told Vogue Arabia:

It must be hard for Meghan, and I can relate to her. 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?

Any advice for her? I tend not to give advice because it is taken out of context, but I have been in Meghan’s shoes, and I still am.

Harry and Andrew’s common nickname

Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Prince Andrew are often lumped together as the monarchy's 'problem princes,' despite the stark contrast in the reasons behind their separation from the Royal Family. One chose to step away for safety and privacy, while the other was stripped of his titles due to serious accusations and controversial associations.

Adding fuel to the fire, Buckingham Palace staff reportedly nicknamed them the ‘Dukes of Hazzard,’ highlighting their controversial positions within the family. The nickname is seemingly a reference to the 80s comedy-adventure series ‘The Dukes of Hazzard,’ reports NY Post. Both men retain their titles but no longer serve as working royals.

However their non-working royal status doesn’t exempt them from significant roles. Both Harry and Andrew remain Counsellors of State due to their positions in the line of succession, reports GB News.

Harry and Andrew are the next four adults in the Royal Family's line of succession who are over the age of 21. Their position has been intensely scrutinised by royal fans, experts, and media over the past few years.

A royal insider has claimed that the King decided not to withdraw the royal responsibility to prevent family relations from getting worse. They said:

His Majesty does not want to exacerbate family tensions further. By nature, he is a unifier, not a divider.

Read more:

Are Prince Harry and Meghan safe amid the LA wildfires? Their £24M mansion in a 'high risk area'

Prince Harry and Meghan could face ‘repercussions’ from Donald Trump due to Meta statement

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's $14M Montecito mansion is now worth $29M

Sources used:

GB News: Sarah Ferguson's major royal achievement seen as 'model for Meghan Markle'

Cosmopolitan: Sarah Ferguson Just Compared Her Struggles to Meghan Markle’s

NY Post: Prince Andrew and Prince Harry’s brutal nicknames given by palace staffers revealed

GB News: Prince Harry and Prince Andrew 'will not be stripped of major royal responsibility' to avoid worsening feuds