Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, made headlines around the world after she found herself in the middle of a notorious pay-for-access scandal.

Just one year ago, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, made headlines around the world after she found herself in the middle of a notorious pay-for-access scandal. She was caught on hidden camera accepting money from a tabloid reporter posing as a business tycoon and portrayed as selling access to her former husband, Prince Andrew.
Now, in her revealing new memoir, Finding Sarah: A Duchess’s Journey to Find Herself, Ferguson shares her soul-searching journey back from despair and near financial ruin.
The Duchess talked to Parade.com about her new book and OWN series Finding Sarah. She also revealed her dreams for her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and why, despite her love for her ex-husband, she doesn’t think they can ever be together.
On the decision to share her difficult journey.
“After last May, I started journaling what it was like to go through such destruction and sadness. It was so wretched and grueling and sad, because I’m a woman of very good intentions and I never think anybody is bad. And so when I was set up [on hidden camera], it was so cruel. I just couldn’t believe it. I lost my way completely.”
Why she’s grateful for the scandal.
“I think it saved me, because now I feel. Before, I was just on auto-drive, running at huge speed in order to make sure everybody else was looked after. I didn’t even stop for a minute, and now I feel as if I’ve got my life back. When I look into the mirror now, I give myself a pat on the back and say, ‘Well done, Sarah. A year ago you couldn’t even look in the mirror, you couldn’t even exist.’ I’ve come a long way.”
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On filming Finding Sarah on OWN.
“It’s so hard having cameras in your face. When people are talking about how I’m an addict of approval and acceptance and people-pleasing, and there are people in the room I don’t even know who are hearing my innermost secrets, my goodness, does it grind you.”
On her friend, Oprah Winfrey.
“I think Oprah is one of the finest people I’ve met. I know everybody says that, but I just find her really funny. She’s got such humor, and she’s like a wonderful, strong, fabulous thoroughbred horse that can win every race. You respect her because of what she’s achieved, and she’s fine in every way. Like fine bone china, which is very strong and resilient and can hold a double-decker bus.”
On her advice to her daughters about living in the public eye.
“Always remember that when you get up in the morning and you’re at home, that’s one thing. But when you’re on the public street, you are fair game. So if you feel in a bad mood, put on that smile, because people don’t want to see a grumpy princess!”
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On her most important role: motherhood.
“My daughters have already done more than I could ever dream of. They are such strong, kind, respectful, honorable, really dignified, decent human beings. I think the one job I’ve done very well is being a good mom. Both Andrew and I have brought up our children, and we are good co-parents.”
On why she and Prince Andrew aren’t back together.
“I don’t think it’s a possibility. I married into the royal family and then divorced. I don’t think I’d be welcomed back in. I think Andrew and I love each other in our way, and we will always love each other.”
On all she gave up in getting her prince.
“You don’t think about it because you’re so in love, but for the rest of your life you will always be scrutinized. You will live your life under a microscope. But it’s worth it for him.”
On her special friendship with the late Princess Diana.
“I miss her humor and her wit, and the fact that she was an ex-wife, too. We were partners together, and I loved her with my heart and I miss her. I’m the only ex-wife out here, and it’s difficult. Who else has been an ex-wife that you can go and ask for help and guidance?”
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On Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
“I would never presume to give Catherine any advice. I think she’s doing an excellent job in her own right. She doesn’t need advice from me. If it’s about mothering, then, yes, I can give advice, but I wouldn’t dream to give any advice on anything else.”
On her relationship with America.
“I’m so grateful to the American people. I love being in America, and I love the way they are and how forgiving they are and how they give people a second chance. They don’t judge, and I love that. I thank the American people for giving me so much strength to get through such a dark time.”