Sarah Ferguson attempts to flip a pancake
The Duchess of York, affectionately known as Fergie, is eagerly awaiting news of when her daughter Princess Eugenie will give birth to her first grandchild, after her pregnancy was confirmed last year. She described her delight at the news, saying she was “thrilled” for Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank and that she “cannot wait to be a grandmother”. Fergie, who was previously married to Eugenie’s father Prince Andrew, added: “Welcoming a new baby into the York family is going to be a moment of profound joy.”
The Duchess’ place within the Royal Family has remained despite her divorce from the Duke of York in 1996, after their marriage broke down.
The pair remain firm friends with Fergie still living in the same royal residence as Andrew, and continuing to make appearances together, particularly at Windsor weddings.
These included this year when the pair attended their other daughter Princess Beatrice’s intimate coronavirus-struck wedding in July.
Although perceptions within the public sometimes show a strained relationship with the Royal Family, Fergie lavished praise on her former mother-in-law, when discussing her dedication to continuing to include her in events.
Sarah Ferguson confession: Duchess ‘always known as a little naughty to Queen’ (Image: GETTY/ITV)
Sarah Ferguson: The Duchess made the comments on ITV’s GMB (Image: ITV)
She said the Queen was “an incredible lady… an icon to the country and one of the finest people in the world I’ve met”.
The 61-year-old explained that she “leads by such an example” and “being so inclusive to me is a wonderful gesture”.
She added during a Good Morning Britain interview in 2018: “I think Her Majesty always knew me from when I was little naughty aged 10. I still am a little naughty, I’m always going to be. I suppose that’s why I write children’s books.
“But I can’t thank Her Majesty enough for being so steadfast to me.”
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Royal news: Fergie discussed her relationship with the Queen (Image: ITV)
Reports emerged ten years ago which upset some inside Buckingham Palace, when Fergie was caught by an undercover journalist who offered her cash for access to the Royal Family.
Although Prince Charles was said to be angry by the reports, Her Majesty maintained her warmth for Fergie – something she had done since she married into the Firm in 1986.
An insider told the Daily Mail “the Queen loved Fergie, who took part in everything”, admitting that she “may be wearing bright pink pants but she was loving it”.
Even Prince Philip was a fan, with the Duke of Edinburgh teaching a young Fergie how to carriage-drive.
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Royal Family: Fergie with the Queen on her 60th birthday (Image: GETTY)
This sentiment was echoed by Princess Diana, who told author Andrew Morton that Fergie “wooed everybody in this family and did it so well”.
Writing in his 1992 book Diana: Her True Story, Mr Morton said Diana revealed that Charles once said he wished the Princess of Wales was “more like Fergie – all jolly”.
According to Mr Morton, Diana said: “I got terribly jealous and she got jealous of me.
“She kept saying to me, ‘You mustn’t worry, everything is going to be fine.’ I couldn’t understand it, she was actually enjoying herself, whereas I was fighting to survive.”
Royal Family tree (Image: EXPRESS)
After the infamous episode in 2010, which Fergie said was “a tough day”, an insider told that the Queen and Prince Philip had moved past any issues with the Duchess.
They said: “It’s stupid to say that the Duke of Edinburgh has any issue with Andrew and Fergie’s relationship.
“He really doesn’t care anymore, on any level. He stands in for Prince Philip every now and then since his retirement but the truth is his official role as the Duke of York is severely limited.
“The Queen is relaxed because of her personal affection towards Fergie, despite the Duchess’s previous bad behaviour. Charles is not OK with Fergie. He can’t stand her in reality.”
Fergie talks with the Queen in 2018 (Image: GETTY)
As Fergie and Andrew agreed their divorce, the Queen reportedly asked what she wanted in the settlement, to which she said “your friendship”.
Since that conversation, they have remained on good terms.
A source told The Sydney Morning Herald: “The Queen always tries to see the best in people and she has stayed in close touch, even having tea with her regularly at Windsor.”
