Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 17, 2025 · Entertainment

Fergie's Triumphant Return: Royal Ascot After Swiss Sanctuary

Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York , has made her first public appearance since revealing she underwent treatment at an exclusive Swiss facility (Pictured with Princess Beatrice)

Fergie's Royal Rebound: Duchess of York Makes Dazzling Return to Public Eye

After a year marked by personal struggles and physical illness, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has made her highly anticipated return to the royal fold, and she's doing it in style! The 65-year-old duchess stepped out onto the prestigious grounds of Royal Ascot's opening day, radiating elegance and poise in a stunning navy blazer and skirt combination. Paired with a delicate cream clutch and a warm smile for the cameras, Fergie looked every inch the confident matriarch she's always been.

But behind the scenes, it's been a tough road to recovery for the duchess. In a candid interview with the Telegraph, Ferguson revealed her decision to seek treatment at an exclusive Swiss facility, where she engaged in intensive therapy sessions tackling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Her journey was sparked by a long-held desire to confront the lingering scars of her childhood and the grueling years spent under intense public scrutiny.

The 65-year-old, pictured with Mike Tindall, stepped out in style at the first day of Royal Ascot in a coordinated navy blazer and skirt with lace detailing, paired with a cream clutch

Fergie's harrowing experiences as a member of the royal family have left their mark. She recalled being mocked mercilessly in the press during her first pregnancy, with cruel labels like "Fat Fergie" and "Duchess of Pork" still seared into her memory. But it wasn't just the brutal criticism that took its toll – the duchess also struggled with a deeply ingrained negative relationship with food, forged by the harsh treatment she endured at the hands of the press.

However, it's clear Fergie is now empowered to confront these demons head-on. Her return to Royal Ascot marked a triumphant milestone in her journey towards healing and self-discovery. Joined by her beloved daughters, Princess Beatrice (36) and Princess Eugenie, the trio was every inch the royal power trio – affectionately known as "the tripod" within palace circles.

As we reported earlier on thescholarlynote.com, Fergie's appearance at Royal Ascot comes hot on the heels of a recent interview for Cressida Bonas's popular podcast, Lessons From Our Mothers. In this intimate conversation, Princess Eugenie revealed one of the most valuable life lessons she'd learned from her mother: harnessing inner strength and resilience.

The royal said she attended Paracelsus Recovery in Zurich - a high-end clinic known for offering 'bespoke, cutting-edge treatment' for people grappling with mental illness

"I think for me, it's the fire inside, you know, the strength inside of you," Eugenie shared on the podcast. "And how to bring that out, and to pull it in when you most need it." Her sister Beatrice echoed this sentiment, highlighting their mother's unwavering commitment to "collaboration" – a quality she instilled in her daughters as they navigated the challenges of royal life.

"It was always 'let's work together' rather than 'you do it or I'll do it'," Beatrice revealed. "This sense that it's OK to feel, it's OK to push on those emotions, but you have to figure out what the resolution looks like as well."

With her daughters by her side and a newfound sense of confidence, Fergie is ready to take on whatever challenges come next. Whether she's tackling the complexities of royal life or advocating for mental health awareness, one thing's certain: this duchess has truly earned her place back in the spotlight.

Fergie was joined by daughter Princess Beatrice , 36, and fellow royal Zara Tindall at the prestigious racing event

A Timeline of Fergie's Journey

  • Childhood Trauma: Fergie opens up about the "profound scars" left by her childhood, which contributed to feelings of low self-worth and disordered eating.
  • Public Scrutiny: She recounts being mocked mercilessly in the press during her first pregnancy, with cruel labels like "Fat Fergie" and "Duchess of Pork".
  • Mental Health Struggles: Ferguson reveals she's been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Treatment in Switzerland: She seeks treatment at an exclusive Swiss facility, where she engages in intensive therapy sessions.
  • Return to Royal Ascot: Fergie makes her first public appearance since revealing her mental health struggles, stepping out onto the grounds of Royal Ascot's opening day.

As the world watches Fergie navigate this new chapter, one thing is clear: this duchess has truly earned her place back in the spotlight.