Sarah, Duchess of York lbs) labelling her unflatteringly as the "Duchess of Pork". Biographer Sarah Bradford argued in her book that Sarah was unable to deal with her husband's duties as a naval officer which required him to stay away from home for long periods. By 1991, the marriage was in trouble, and the couple had drifted apart. While her husband was away on naval or royal duties, the Duchess was frequently seen in the company of other men, notably Texan multimillionaire Steve Wyatt. The Duke and Duchess of York announced their separation on 19 March 1992. Following the separation, the palace announced that
Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough gift from Queen Anne after the duke's victory at the Battle of Blenheim. Nevertheless, Anne sent her news of political developments in letters and consulted Sarah's advice in most matters. Sarah was famous for telling the queen exactly what she thought, and did not offer her flattery. Anne and Sarah had invented petnames for themselves during their youths which they continued to use after Anne became queen: "Mrs Freeman" (Sarah) and "Mrs Morley" (Anne). Effectively a business manager, Sarah had control over the queen's position, from her finances to people admitted to the royal presence. Anne, however, expected kindness and