Queen Elizabeth ‘inspired’ characters in Sarah Ferguson’s romance novels

nypost.com:

Her Heart for a Compass” (Mills & Boon).“When we wrote the book, I gave it to the boss and I said, ‘You don’t need to read it,’” Ferguson — more commonly known as Fergie — revealed at the Henley Literary Festival.“But I think she was so proud that we did it.

And that’s just huge for me. She was just very, very special,” Fergie continued. “I gave it to her in French as well. And then, when I went to Italy she said ‘Don’t give it to me in Italian because I don’t read Italian.’ But she did read French.”Buckingham Palace sources said it would be difficult to know if the queen actually read the book in either language, according to the Telegraph.When the duchess was asked if any particular women inspired her characters, she answered, “There’s no question about it, mine is my mother-in-law.”“It’s been all my life that I’ve known the boss and there’s no one like her,” Fergie said. “I wouldn’t do anything unless the boss gave me her blessing though, and still to this day, I think about that.”The duchess has already finished her second Mills & Boon novel, “A Most Intriguing Lady” — which will be “more of a sweeping romance” with “more bodice ripping” — with co-author Marguerite Kaye, set to be released March 7, 2023.

The duchess also addressed the loss of the queen, describing her mother-in-law as a “wonderful friend” and “the finest ever icon… legendary, incredible.”“I’ve been the luckiest person alive.

I have, there’s no question,” she shared.She also revealed that they talk about Queen Elizabeth “every single day” following her passing. “I think if we can uphold her values and uphold what she’s built for 70 years, I think we’re doing a good job.