The Duchess of York: 'Don't feel guilty for the choices you've made'

EXCLUSIVE: "Nobody tells you that your dreams have to be put on the backburner, because of your new role of 24/7 CEO of the House." Sarah Ferguson shares a message for every mum in the trenches.

Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has been through many chapters over the decades - and I'm not just talking about the 70 books she's authored.

The 65-year-old is known these days by the world for being the mum of Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice and grandmother to their children.

She describes herself on her Instagram as, "Mum, Granny, Bestselling Author, Creative Founder of Sarah's Trust."

The Duchess is also a cancer survivor twice over. She's a former daughter-in-law of Queen Elizabeth II - and inheritor of her beloved corgis. 

But she's also something that's not often directly talked about: a single mum.

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Sarah Ferguson with her daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, and granddaughter, Sienna. Image: Used with permission.

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"I call it the buddy system"

I wasn't sure whether the Duchess identifies as a 'single mum' - something I am proudly - so it was impressive to find that she's down to earth enough to do so. Especially because a single mum - a woman raising kids as the only adult in the house - is a thing to celebrate.

Asked whether she has advice for other single parents, the Duchess exclusively told Kidspot: 

"I always love to pull in support and call it the buddy system.

"For example, godparents or family can be asked to step in to do day trips; a rotation system that gives you time off for yourself to catch up with ‘homework’ - your own admin - or better still - do something for you.

"You need a support framework that you know you can rely on, so you have some time to yourself when you are not run off your feet."

The Duchess also acknowledges the sacrifices all mums make - and shares an important tip on finding yourself again.

"The problem is that nobody tells you is that your dreams have to be put on the backburner, as you have now taken on a new role of 24/7 CEO of the House. So you are in charge of the household office.

"If you have a dream to write a book, or immerse yourself in handicrafts or painting, start a new career, return to your career or whatever it may be, you have the ability to pull in help, to give you the time.

"The trick is not to feel guilty for the choice you have made for yourself.

"They always say on the aeroplane, you must put the oxygen mask on yourself first before helping others."

Sarah Ferguson's new children's book, Flora and Fern, Wonder in the Woods, is out now. Image: used with permission

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"A glass of brandy next to the carrots"

The Duchess's new book, Flora and Fern, Wonder in the Woods, which she is currently in Australia to promote, is a sweet Christmas tale for children.

"I absolutely believe in the magic of Christmas. It’s the best time for children to use their imagination, and I believe in it more than anything.

"I love the lead up and planning – getting the carrots ready for Father Christmas and a glass of brandy next to the carrots, we know Father Christmas loves that."

The Duchess says that her grandchildren are one of the main reasons why she writes her children's books - the latest one being her 70th for both kids and adults.

"I write with them in mind, and I love reading to them. August (and Ernie nods!) reads Wonder in the Woods every night and I read to Sienna, August and Ernie as much as I can.

"Reading is a way to spend time together, and especially at Christmas.

"Reading is one of the main reasons I love writing children’s books, we need to encourage literacy."

For more information on the books of Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, see: Duchess Serenity Collection - Serenity Press and Flora and Fern: Wonder in the Woods

Originally published as The Duchess of York: 'Don't feel guilty for the choices you've made'