Sarah Ferguson has paid tribute to her best friend’s son, after he tragically took his own life. (Image: Daniele Venturelli / Getty Image)
The has passionately spoken out in remembrance of a close family friend who tragically took his life, while championing a mental health campaign.
Sarah Ferguson, 65, warmly recalls James Wentworth-Stanley, the son of her “oldest and dearest” friend Clare Milford Haven, who sadly died by suicide after being deemed a low-risk patient in A&E where he awaited help for hours before departing.
In a candid interview that shone light on a new mental health initiative this week, Fergie shared: “He was so special to me and my girls and he and I spent some very happy times together, in Argentina in particular, where we shared a love of polo.”
“He had such a twinkle and an incredible sense of humour. Ten days after a minor operation, James took his own life. He had tried to get help for his anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find the urgent help he so desperately needed.”
James was just 21 when he expressed having suicidal thoughts following a routine surgery but wasn’t given adequate attention at A&E. His subsequent death on December 15, 2006, was widely covered by the media.
In ‘ recent interview with Sarah, she states: “When James died, Clare was determined to set up the charity in his memory and save other families from going through what hers had to. She is an incredibly inspiring woman.”, reports
Sarah Ferguson said she ‘adored’ tragic James Wentworth-Stanley (Image: PA)
Sarah, Duchess of York, is the godmother to James’ younger brother Harry, while Clare is the godmother to Sarah’s eldest daughter, James, a student at Newcastle University, had known Beatrice and since they were young children.
The tragic loss of James deeply affected Sarah and her family, inspiring the Duchess to support mental health campaigns, including one run by The Times. The newspaper has backed James’ Place, a charity established in memory of the young man, which operates three suicide-prevention centres.
In 2023, the suicide rate in England and Wales reached its highest level since 1999, with men accounting for 75 per cent of these deaths. The rate among young adults was significantly higher than most other demographics.
Clare Milford Haven, pictured with her son, is one of Fergie’s ‘oldest and dearest’ friends (Image: Clare Milford Haven)
Sarah expressed concern for her daughters, Beatrice, 36, and Eugenie, 34, stating: “You worry about them all the time. I still do now, when they’re adults. I think young people today have it harder than ever. Social media is a cesspit and it’s very frightening what young people are exposed to.”
Despite her worries and her own health battles – having been diagnosed with two types of cancer in recent years – the Duchess maintains her characteristic positive attitude. Fergie admitted that her “mind went to some dark places, reflecting on my own mortality” during her cancer journeys.
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to