On the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, one-time British royal Sarah, Duchess of York, conveyed her “shock and heartbreak.” Here’s a look back at her experiences working in New York City on that fateful day. As someone who has declared a deep love for America, the Duchess shared her true feelings on Instagram. She memorialized the lives lost and celebrated the heroism of first responders in a powerful statement.
On September 11, 2001, Sarah Ferguson found herself in New York City, witnessing the chaos and devastation firsthand. Reflecting on the event, the Duchess said that she would never forget the heartbreak and amazing courage she witnessed on that day. In her statement to mark the event, she called out the need to honor the thousands of lives that the attacks changed forever.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Sarah Ferguson wrote, “Today, we pause to remember the lives lost and forever changed on September 11th, 2001. I was in New York at the time, and like so many, I will never forget the shock, the heartbreak, and the extraordinary courage I witnessed that day.” She noted how even unfathomable tragedy can give rise to extraordinary tales of caring, togetherness and fortitude. It’s these stories that still inspire grassroots movements around the globe.
After her 1995 divorce from Prince Andrew, the Duchess of York, aka Sarah Ferguson, spent almost a decade in America. In the midst of that, she fell in love with the country. She attributed the American people with returning “life back” to her during that dark time. “I wanted to thank the American people for giving me back my life… I don’t know how to thank you,” she stated. In her full years in America, she was able to find employment and raise her children. This experience just solidified her feelings about the country.
Sarah’s youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie, called New York City home from 2015 to 2018. In the intervening years, she spent time at Paddle 8 auction house. The family’s ties to America are undeniable and essential.
To memorialize the victims of 9/11, the Duchess posted the most moving photograph. It’s a moving time-lapse of two beams of light shining out. She reflected on the warmth she’s received from folks all across America during her stay. “New York has been my home. The American people are so nice to me,” she told me.
