The write stuff: Fergie and Meghan go head-to-head
WHILE the Duchess of Sussex is writing a children’s fiction book inspired by her beloved rescue dogs, I can reveal she has a rival very close to home — Sarah, Duchess of York is also working on a new book for younger readers.
And it seems that both Duchesses are determined to outdo each other when it comes to establishing their ‘woke’ credentials.
While both books will be aimed at youngsters, Fergie, 59, is penning a guide for modern life which will focus on the importance of kindness, protecting the planet and managing social media and cyber bullying.
Fergie and Meghan, 38, have much in common; both of them entered royalty as outsiders, both married second-born princes and both are savvy entrepreneurs.
Businesswoman Sarah is clearly determined that Meghan doesn’t steal her publishing limelight, because she has enlisted Hotel Babylon author Imogen EdwardsJones to co-write her book.
‘Imogen is one of the quickestwitted people I know,’ Fergie tells me of her literary love-in. ‘Every moment with such a clever lady is a jump into joy and creativity, and I am so lucky to have a friend like her. I am excited about the future working with Imogen, as her writing is, for me, superb.’
Fergie, who remains close friends with her ex-husband, the Duke of York, with whom she has two daughters, Princesses Beatrice, 31 on Thursday, and Eugenie, 29, has, of course, already made a head start on Meghan when it comes to publishing. She has more than 25 titles to her name — including children’s books Budgie The Little Helicopter and Little Red.
She has also produced a range of Helping Hands books, which help parents guide their children through difficult life lessons, and has released several books focusing on dieting, wellbeing and self-worth.
‘I love working with the Duchess,’ co-author Imogen tells me.
‘She is fantastic fun and incredibly creative. A veritable tour de force! I love her company.’
Fergie insists her most prized achievement is her daughters. Speaking of the work ethic she instils in them, she says: ‘I believe in example by leadership. I think the one thing I’ve done incredibly well — although I say it myself — is that I’m a really good mum. I think that my girls show that.’