The Heart of a Duchess: Sarah Ferguson in Conversation with Rebeca Riofrio

At the Creative Women Forum, organised by its visionary CEO and founder Olga Balakleets, thought leaders, creatives, and innovators gathered to celebrate purpose-driven progress, social impact, and creative excellence. Among the most poignant highlights of the event was a captivating conversation between Sarah, Duchess of York, and Rebeca Riofrio, a renowned British director and advocate for the arts and female leadership.

Before their conversation began, Her Royal Highness delivered a heartfelt address, offering insight into the mission behind Sarah’s Trust—a charitable initiative she founded that reflects over three decades of hands-on humanitarian work. Radiating warmth and conviction, the Duchess spoke passionately about her commitment to serving forgotten women, children, families, and communities across the globe.

What sets Sarah’s Trust apart, she explained, is its uncompromising ethos: 100% of its resources go directly to charitable causes. “There is no middleman,” she stated. “What we do goes straight to those in need.” Her words underscored a philanthropic model rooted in transparency, love, and genuine service. “This is boots on the ground,” she added. “It’s love in action.”

The Trust is led by a seasoned team that has long worked alongside the Duchess in charitable work, together building an organisation that connects philanthropists with grassroots impact. It represents the latest chapter in her lifelong commitment to social good.

Her Royal Highness’s philanthropic journey began decades ago. In 1993, she founded Children in Crisis, which has since provided education to over 1.4 million children in under-resourced areas. Over the years, she has lent her advocacy and fundraising efforts to numerous organisations, including Teenage Cancer Trust, Humanitas, Teen Cancer America, Children’s Air Ambulance, British Heart Foundation, Julia’s House, Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, and Key to Freedom. These experiences now converge under the umbrella of Sarah’s Trust.

During the forum, the Duchess also had the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with influential global figures, including HRH Princess Noura bint Saud bin Naif AlSaud, Founder of AlMashtal and Rukun Creative Exchange, a visionary creative economy strategist and Patron of the Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia. She also met HRH Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, Honorary Ambassador of the Creative Women Platform and a lifelong advocate for education and sustainable development. The Duchess’s conversations extended to the arts, with meaningful dialogue shared with Martha Fiennes, the award-winning film director, screenwriter, and digital artist. In addition, she connected with Viola Edward, Partner and Executive Director of the Creative Women Platform and Co-Founder of GRIT Academy; Islée Oliva Salinas, Chair of the Advisory Board for Creative Women Platform, Strategic Advisor, Impact Investor, and global advocate for innovation and sustainability; and Linda Plant, renowned entrepreneur, CEO of the Linda Plant Academy, and star of BBC’s The Apprentice—among other notable contributors to culture, philanthropy, and women’s leadership.

When the conversation between the Duchess and Rebeca Riofrio began, it quickly became clear that this would be no formal or distant exchange. Riofrio opened with a light-hearted observation: “Wow—your energy is intoxicating. You’re fun and warm. I was expecting something very different…” The Duchess laughed and responded playfully, “What were you expecting—something a little stiffer?” The audience responded with laughter and warmth, and the tone was set for a candid and meaningful dialogue.

The discussion explored the Duchess’s core belief in kindness, which she described as her “personal religion.” “Kindness starts with the little things,” she said. “It’s remembering someone’s name, truly listening, seeing people.” She glanced at Riofrio and added with a smile, “Rebeca with one ‘C’, not two. That’s how I remember. It shows care.” This small but poignant detail was a powerful reminder that compassion lives in attentiveness and presence. “You never know what someone has been through,” she continued. “Kindness is our greatest gift.”

The conversation turned to her personal journey with breast cancer. With unflinching honesty and characteristic wit, the Duchess revealed that she had named her reconstructed breast “Derek” and her other “Eric.” “Derek saved my life,” she shared. “He’s with me now—a shield of armour.” Her words struck a deep chord with the audience, many of whom were visibly moved by her courage and humour.

Touching on the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, the Duchess recalled how deeply the late monarch influenced her life. Riofrio mentioned her own encounter with Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace and asked what it meant to have been her daughter-in-law. The Duchess reflected tenderly: “She gave me the permission to be myself. That was her final gift to me.”

She described passing by the Elizabeth Line and wondering how many children today truly know the legacy behind the name. “We must speak her name,” she urged. “To keep her grace and example alive.” She also shared a whimsical, heartfelt thought—that the Queen may still be with her in spirit through the corgis she inherited. “Every morning, they bark. I’m sure it’s her, reminding me she’s still around.”

As the conversation drew to a close, the Duchess shared one of the Queen’s final, guiding messages to her: “Sarah, just be yourself.” That phrase, she said, gave her the freedom to embrace her voice and continue her mission. “She gave me the right to stand on stage—and give,” the Duchess said.

And give she does. Through her voice, her actions, and her boundless energy, Sarah, Duchess of York, reminded everyone present that true leadership is rooted in authenticity and service.

What resonated most was not just the scope of her charitable work, but her joy—the joy of someone living in truth, with purpose, and full-hearted generosity. She is, as Riofrio described, authentically marvellous: fun, energetic, compassionate, and wise. Her presence left behind not just admiration, but inspiration—a vivid reminder of how powerful it is to lead with kindness, to give with courage, and to live with heart.

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