why did sarah ferguson and prince andrew divorce

Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew divorced in 1996, but remained close and continued to live together at Royal Lodge for many years. The commonly cited reasons include a mix of personal circumstances, career considerations, and financial/estate arrangements, rather than a simple romantic conclusion. Ferguson has described the marriage as strained by the demands of royal life and Andrew’s naval career, which limited their time together, and she has said she wanted to work and pursue independence, while still prioritizing their shared children and family. In public remarks, both have emphasized that their bond as co-parents and partners inraising their daughters has endured, even as they formalized a separation. The living-together arrangement after divorce is widely discussed as a practical decision rooted in money, logistics, and ongoing mutual support, rather than a continuation of a conventional marriage.