Sarah Ferguson made a striking fashion statement during her first public appearance since headlines swirled around her and ex-husband Prince Andrew. The Duchess of York attended a book signing in London on August 6, where she debuted custom loafers bearing the royal family’s famous unofficial motto: “Never complain, never explain.”
The event promoted her semi-fictional novel, Her Heart for a Compass, hosted in collaboration with the Amazon Influencer Program. Ferguson shared photos on Instagram, writing, “Her Heart for a Compass was always meant to be a bridge between hearts, stories and generations.” A video posted by Amazon showed her engaging with guests at an afternoon tea, where she gifted copies of her book.
Her footwear, however, stole the spotlight. The custom loafers—one reading “Never Complain” and the other “Never Explain”—were a subtle nod to the late Queen Elizabeth II‘s stoic approach to public life. Ferguson has owned the shoes for years, previously wearing them during a 2022 outing.
The timing of her fashion choice is notable, as both she and Prince Andrew face renewed scrutiny ahead of Andrew Lownie’s upcoming biography, Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, set for release on August 14. Excerpts have already sparked controversy, including claims of Ferguson’s alleged crushes on celebrities like John F. Kennedy Jr.
More explosively, the book alleges a physical altercation between Prince Andrew and his nephew Prince Harry—a claim swiftly denied by Harry’s spokesperson. Representatives for both Ferguson and Andrew have declined to comment on the allegations.
Despite their 1996 divorce, the couple still shares Royal Lodge in Windsor. They were spotted together on August 3, marking their first joint appearance since the book excerpts emerged.
Royal watchers have long noted how the family uses fashion to convey unspoken messages. Ferguson’s choice of shoes—embracing a phrase tied to royal resilience—may well be her quiet response to the latest headlines.