Sarah Ferguson interview branded a 'hot mess' in brutal takedown: 'I had to call her Duchess!'
WATCH NOW: Sarah Ferguson interviewed about Royal Lodge
ITV
A Sarah Ferguson interview has been branded a "hot mess" in a brutal takedown by a veteran journalist.
Michael Usher, a reporter for the Australian Channel Seven, has revealed details of his chaotic 2011 interview with Sarah, describing the encounter as a "hot mess" during an appearance on Nova 96.9's Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie today.
The veteran journalist shared his experience of the infamous 60 Minutes interview, which saw the Duchess of York display erratic behaviour and storm off mid-conversation.
The revelations came as Usher joined the radio show's hosts to discuss major news stories of 2024, with co-host Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli prompting the discussion by recalling the memorable interview.
Sarah Ferguson interview branded a 'hot mess' in brutal take down: 'I had to call her Duchess!'
YouTube / 60 Minutes Australia
Usher detailed how the duchess insisted on strict formality during their encounter.
"I had to call her Duchess. She wouldn't let me call her Sarah, lots and lots of airs and graces," he revealed.
The interview took an unexpected turn when Fergie abruptly walked away from the conversation.
"She was fine, and she was relatively sweet. But then there was just this moment...she turned and getting her back into the chair, was crazy," Usher explained.
The interview is famous for Sarah Ferguson walking off-set during the sit-down
YouTube / 60 Minutes Australia
Upon her return, the journalist noted a striking change in her demeanour.
"She came back and she continued the interview, and then it was like a different personality again," he said.
Perhaps the most bizarre moment occurred after the interview had concluded, when Sarah chased after the crew outside.
"We walked outside, and the duchess came running up behind me. She chucked her heels off and she's in her stockings on the lawn. Going 'Michael, how was that?'" Usher recounted.
Michael Usher sat in disbelief as Sarah Ferguson walked off-set
YouTube / 60 Minutes Australia
The surreal scene continued as Fergie appeared eager for feedback on her performance.
"By that stage, I just said, 'Sarah, if I were you, I'd be asking to go back into the room and do that interview all over again, because I don't know what happened,'" he revealed.
The duchess then swiftly changed topics, offering to sign books and asking about the crew's children.
Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew divorced in 1996 but remain close
GettyThe duchess has also recently spoken about her close relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II, whom she described as "more my mother than my own mother".
The duchess continues to maintain a presence in royal life, now caring for the late Queen's beloved corgis Muick and Sandy at Royal Lodge in Windsor with her ex-husband, Prince Andrew.
"They are national treasures," Sarah said of the dogs. "So they are very spoiled."
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