Jane was a girl from a working-class family growing up in Grimsby, England. Her desire was to be a designer. She had an uncanny sense of style, however her superiors at the department store where she worked dismissed her talents and she was relegated to mundane tasks.

This young woman had psychological issues and suicide was always at the back of her mind. Depressed and friendless, Jane was at the end of her rope.

After answering an ad in a magazine, Jane received a letter instructing her to come to London where she would interview for the job of dresser to the Duchess of York. This changed everything for her and her thoughts of suicide vanished.

Sarah Ferguson was impressed with her sense of style and Jane got the job. In the beginning she performed some rather dull tasks, however she eventually garnered the courage to express her feelings when it came to Sarah’s wardrobe. Sarah was inspired by Jane.

As she continued with her job, Jane and Sarah became friends. Sarah came to rely on Jane, and when she divorced Andrew, Sarah kept Jane on in her staff.

After the divorce and Buckingham Palace in their rearview mirror, wherever Sarah went Jane was by her side. She created a wardrobe style for the Duchess that some might see as not so stylish, when compared to Princess Diana, however the two relied on each other.

While Jane was employed and working with the Duchess of York (1988-1997), her social standing rose and she entered the upper-class of British society. Her friends were influential and wealthy.

Then, when after an indiscretion, Jane was fired. She lost her influential job and some social status. Her dark psychological issues resurfaced.

When Thomas Cressman (Ed Speleers) came into her life, she was mesmerized by him. Their love gave Jane the confidence to move on with the thought that her life was on the upswing again. Her life, however, wasn’t turning out the way she hoped.

After Thomas was found murdered, there was a country-wide manhunt for Jane. She had disappeared and was considered the main suspect in the murder. The search and subsequent trial led to national interest and intrigue because Jane had former ties to the Duchess of York.

This four-part series on BritBox gives readers a look at the woman who held the attention of an entire country while she was on the run and during her subsequent trial.

Another show, “The Trial of Fergie’s Royal Dresser,” is available to stream on the True Royalty TV. This documentary centers on the actual trial with interviews with those who were there.

Jane Andrews was sentenced to life in prison in 2001. She was released in 2015, returned to jail in 2018 for another charge, and then released in 2019. These two shows provide a captivating look at a woman who had psychological demons, rose to great heights, and tumbled to the depths. Both BritBox and True Royalty TV are available on their own sites/apps, and as additions to a Prime Video subscription.