Sarah Ferguson's surprising offer to assist on The Crown turned down by producer

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York attends the BFI & IWC Luminous Gala at The Roundhouse on October 1, 2019
(Image credit: Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for IWC)

Sarah Ferguson has revealed she made a surprising offer to one of The Crown’s executive producers after seeing herself on-screen, but it was reportedly declined. 

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York has opened up on the unexpected offer she once made after seeing herself depicted in Netflix’s The Crown. The period drama follows Queen Elizabeth II's reign and with The Crown season 5 reportedly set to start filming this summer, fans are excited to see which historical events might feature in the penultimate series.

It’s previously been suggested that Prince Harry was the one Royal Family member The Crown was struggling to cast for season 5 because of his distinctive hair. But whilst the showrunners might have found it difficult to cast the perfect prince, there’s another red-headed royal who has already featured.

Sarah Ferguson appeared in season 4, played by Jessica Aquilina, in a scene centred around her wedding to her now ex-husband, Prince Andrew. 

Royal Family on the balcony at Buckingham Palace after the wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson July 1986

However, it seems that Sarah wasn’t overwhelmed with how brief her depiction in The Crown was. Opening up during a recent interview with Town&Country, the Duchess of York explained that she even offered to consult on the hit show. 

“Hello?” she joked to the publication about her character’s limited appearances. “Where is Fergie?” 

Sarah went on to claim she wrote to one of The Crown’s executive producers, Andy Harries, offering her unique input. “I said to him, ‘Why can’t I help my character?’ ” she said, though according to Town&Country, her offer was sadly declined. 

But whilst the Duchess of York might have hoped to see her character more often, she has complimented The Crown for its cinematography in the past.

Sarah, Duchess of York seen at the wedding of Ellie Goulding and Caspar Jopling at York Minster Cathedral

Speaking to Us Weekly earlier this year, Sarah shared that she had enjoyed watching her wedding unfold in The Crown, stating, “I thought it was filmed beautifully. The cinematography was excellent. I loved the way they put my wedding in as well." 

This comes as Sarah prepares to become a grandmother for the third time, after Princess Beatrice announced her pregnancy in May. Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi's first child together is due in autumn 2021  and their baby will be the Queen's twelfth great-grandchild.

The Duchess of York will no doubt be looking forward to welcoming the new royal arrival!

Emma Shacklock
Senior Lifestyle Writer

Emma is a Senior Lifestyle Writer with six years of experience working in digital publishing, ranging from book publishing to magazines. She currently looks after all things Lifestyle for Woman&Home, Goodto.com, and My Imperfect Life.