Fergie labels Harry and Meghan 'brave' for moving to US and says they are 'blazing a trail'

13 June 2023, 16:54 | Updated: 13 June 2023, 16:57

Fergie has branded the pair 'brave' for making the move to California.
Fergie has branded the pair 'brave' for making the move to California. Picture: Alamy

By Jenny Medlicott

The Duchess of York has praised Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for leaving the Royal Family and moving to the US in a new interview.

Sarah Ferguson said she thinks Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are “brave” for stepping down from their royal duties and making the move to California.

She revealed in an Australian TV interview that she views the pair as “trailblazers”.

The TV host, Matt Shirvington, asked Fergie if she thought the royal pair had struggled to transition between countries, she replied: “The thing is – and I’m really adamant about this – is that anyone that is out there really trailblazing for their own beliefs, and it doesn’t matter where you’re from or who you are, you trailblaze for what you believe – that’s very brave.

"I would never be one to make a comment on any other member of the Royal Family or anybody who does that. I just find anyone that stands very tall about their own beliefs is very brave, whoever it is."

The Sussexes vacated their royal Frogmore Cottage home in March this year but they announced their plans to step down as working royals in January 2020.

They said at the time: “We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.”

Initially the couple made the move to Canada, but then upped sticks for a second time to California, where they now live with children, Prince Archie and Princes Lilibet.

Listen and subscribe to Unprecedented: Inside Downing Street on Global Player

She said Harry and Meghan are 'trailblazers'
She said Harry and Meghan are 'trailblazers'. Picture: Alamy

Read more: Prince Andrew refuses to leave Royal Lodge mansion during roof works over fears King Charles won't let him back in

Read more: Piers Morgan 'injected' information into royal articles, Prince Harry phone hacking trial hears

Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son Archie was given a free bike for his birthday as shop shares ‘thank you’ letter

Fergie still lives with ex-husband, Prince Andrew in the Royal Lodge in Windsor when she is in the UK.

It comes after reports emerged earlier this week that the Duke of York is refusing to leave the Royal Lodge during roof repair works amid fears he won’t be let back in as King Charles allegedly wants him to move to Frogmore Cottage instead.

Previously the Duchess of York said that members of the royal family couldn’t “sit on the fence” about being in the family, and must decide whether to be “in or out” in an interview with The Independent.

While she didn’t directly reference the royal couple, she said: “Well, you can’t have it both ways. You can’t sit on the fence and keep one foot in and one foot out. You’re either in or out.

“But then don’t cry about not being invited to weddings. You chose to leave, now go and live it – and be it.”

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The man given a restraining order for stalking British number one Emma Raducanu has been caught trying to obtain tickets for this summer’s Wimbledon.

Emma Raducanu stalker caught trying to obtain Wimbledon tickets after tennis star was left 'shaken' by 'fixated' man

Eight-month-old Mabli had just said a final goodbye to her paternal grandmother Betty Hall, who was receiving end-of-life care at the Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest.

Driver who ran over and killed eight-month-old baby in pram has sentence cut

Exclusive
UK 'not going to be involved' in 'protecting' Israel during Iran conflict, Israeli ambassador confirms

UK 'not going to be involved' in 'protecting' Israel during Iran conflict, Israeli ambassador confirms

Breaking
Abortion rights actvists gather outside the parliament in support of decriminalisation.

MPs vote to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales in historic Commons vote

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is placed under arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and FBI agents outside federal immigration court on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in New York.

New York mayoral candidate Brad Lander arrested and detained by ICE amid Donald Trump's immigration crackdown

Trump not planning to attack Iran, Starmer insists as US President says he won't kill Supreme Leader 'for now'

Trump 'not planning to attack Iran', Starmer insists as US President says he won't kill Supreme Leader 'for now'

Dame Katherine Grainger

Olympic gold medallist Katherine Grainger and former Cabinet Secretary Simon Case given peerages

Matheus Cunha signs his Manchester United contract

When does the summer 2025 transfer window open and close?

Iranian soldiers in Tehran. The country has one of the strongest armies in the Middle East

Does Iran have nuclear weapons and what is its military capability?

UK's first women-only tower block to open in west London next summer.

UK's first women-only tower block to open in west London next summer providing 'lifeline' to domestic abuse survivors

Screen grab taken from PA video of Katie Wallis (left) leaving Cardiff Magistrates' Court after they pleaded guilty to the harassment of their ex-wife, Rebecca Wallis.

Former Conservative MP pleads guilty to harassing ex-wife

Man, 49, who 'went crazy' after taking crack cocaine jailed for 39 years following Christmas Day double murder

Man, 49, who 'went crazy' after taking crack cocaine jailed for 39 years following Christmas Day double murder

Disgraced music mogul R. Kelly taken to hospital after 'overdosing' in prison

Disgraced music mogul R. Kelly taken to hospital after 'overdosing' in prison - alleging prison staff are to blame

The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, Putney.

South London nurse struck off over 'sexually motivated' WhatsApps to colleague, claiming it was 'just banter'

Annabel Rook

Charity boss found stabbed to death in London home after police rushed to scene following 'gas explosion'

Exclusive
British Army soldiers gather outside the hospitality chalet of aerospace manufacturer Thales.

UK would ‘lose war with Russia’ in current setup, as Army chief calls for greater use of attack drones and missiles