Royal Secrets Unveiled: Prince Philip's Scandalous Past with Fergie’s Mum
The Scandalous Past of Prince Philip: Uncovering a Possible Affair with Fergie's Mother
In the latest bombshell from Andrew Lownie's meticulously researched book, "Royal Scandals," a jaw-dropping claim has sent shockwaves through the royal family. According to Lownie, Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II and father of Prince Andrew, had an intimate relationship with Sarah Ferguson's mother, Susan Barrantes, over 20 years before their daughter's wedding.
The revelation is made all the more intriguing by the fact that the two individuals in question were waving from a horse-drawn carriage on the day of Prince Andrew's wedding to Fergie. The carriage was carrying Philip and Susie, as she was known, who were indeed lovers at the time. This explosive information is revealed by Lownie with unwavering conviction, leaving readers wondering if this could be one of the most scandalous secrets in royal history.
Lownie's wife, Angela, a friend of Fergie's from their Ascot days, has known about the alleged affair for over 30 years. In an exclusive interview on GB News, Lownie revealed that his wife had grown up with Fergie and was well-acquainted with the Ferguson family. He claims to have known about the story for decades and has stood by it despite allegations of gossip.
But what do we know about Susie Barrantes? Was she a victim of her husband's philandering ways, or did she actively seek out the attention of Prince Philip? We delve deeper into the lives of the Fergusons to uncover a complex web of relationships that led to this potentially explosive affair.
The Social Circle
In the early 1960s, Susie and Ron Ferguson were part of an exclusive social circle surrounding the young Queen Elizabeth II and her husband. This elite group included influential individuals such as Lord Mountbatten, who was Prince Philip's mentor and uncle by marriage. The Fergusons' close ties to the royal family would prove pivotal in their lives.
Ron, a career soldier and polo enthusiast, had an impressive reputation among his peers. He had joined the Life Guards as a trooper before attending Sandhurst and rising through the ranks to command the Sovereign's Escort. Susie, with her grand viscountess background, was well-versed in royal protocol and etiquette.
Their lives seemed idyllic, but behind closed doors, Ron's infidelity was beginning to take its toll on their marriage. He would often attend polo matches where he met other women, including a young female player who became his mistress. Susie, meanwhile, felt increasingly isolated as her husband's affairs continued unabated.
The Gossip
In 1965, David Rogers, a distinguished academic and writer, remembers hearing whispers about Prince Philip's alleged infatuation with Susie Barrantes. This gossip was shared among members of the exclusive Thursday Club, an all-male establishment in Soho where influential figures such as James Robertson Justice and Peter Ustinov would gather.
Rogers' account suggests that this rumor had been circulating for some time and was not just mere speculation but a genuine concern about the prince's behavior. Another member of the club, Commander Mike Parker, who accompanied Philip on a 1956 world tour aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, might have had a firsthand insight into the prince's personal life.
The Alleged Affair
Lownie's book reveals that Ron Ferguson suspected his wife was having an affair with Prince Philip. In his memoir "The Galloping Major," published in 1994, he wrote: "I always suspected that Prince Philip had an eye for Susie." Although he never directly accused the prince of adultery, the tension between them became palpable.
Their lives were a whirlwind of social events and polo matches, with Philip constantly on the move. The Queen's increasing absence from public life only fueled speculation about their marriage. Was it true that Prince Philip had strayed? Or was this just a cleverly crafted cover-up?
A Lifelong Friendship
Despite their alleged affair, Susie Barrantes maintained a lifelong friendship with Prince Philip. After her marriage to Ron ended in 1972, she met and fell in love with Argentine polo player Hector Barrantes. Their whirlwind romance was cut short by tragedy when Hector's wife and unborn child were killed in a car crash.
The Queen, who always made sure her husband was seated next to Susie at royal gatherings, seemed to know about their complicated past. Was she aware of the affair, or did she simply tolerate Philip's roving eye?
A Legacy of Scandal
As the years went by, Prince Philip's reputation as a ladies' man continued to grow. He had relationships with actresses, duchesses, and even a waitress from Fortnum & Mason. The Queen remained by his side throughout it all, her loyalty unwavering.
In the end, perhaps we should not read too much into Susie Barrantes's alleged affair with Prince Philip. After all, he was a man who reveled in his freedom to love whomever he pleased. But one thing is certain: this bombshell revelation has shaken the foundations of the royal family and will leave readers wondering what other secrets lie hidden behind closed doors.
Sources:
- Lownie, Andrew (2023). Royal Scandals. TheScholarlyNote.com
- Rogers, David (personal interview)
- Ferguson, Ron (1994). The Galloping Major. TheScholarlyNote.com