Fergie: what do we call you now?

Press, 26 July 1986, Page 14

Fergie: what do we call you now?

NZPA-Reuter London The confusion surrounding the title of the new Royal bride, who entered Westminister Abbey on Wednesday a wellconnected commoner and

emerged a Duchess, is a measure of the murky waters of British aristocratic protocol.

While some may still refer to her affectionately — if incorrectly — as Princess Sarah, and some more irrevently as Princess Fergie, the latest recruit to the Royal family will officially be known as Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of York.

Had Prince Andrew not been given the title of the Duke of York by his mother just before his marriage yesterday, Sarah would have been known as Princess Andrew — just as Prince Michael of Kent’s wife is called Princess Michael. But Prince Andrew can

enjoy the best of both worlds. Though he is now the Duke of York, Queen Elizabth’s second son may still be referred to as Prince Andrew, just as his father is known as either Prince Philip or the Duke of Edinburgh. But the gulf between what is and what should be is likely to remain as wide .as ever. That Prince Charles’ wife Diana should be styled. Diana, Princess of Wales, has not stopped her many fans hailing her as Princess Diana. :But Britain’s tabloid press, which takes pride in being on first name terms with world leaders like "Ron” and “iMaggie,” persists with the more familiar “Priness Di.”