Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson was ‘grateful’ to be invited to her first royal Sandringham Christmas in 32 years after it emerged she would be given a funeral in Windsor on orders from the late Queen
- The Duchess walked behind seniors during the traditional Christmas Day service
Sarah Ferguson has said she ‘feels grateful’ after celebrating Christmas with the royals for the first time since 1992.
The Duke of York, 63, and the Duchess, 64, walked behind seniors as the crowd lined the road outside St Mary Magdalene Church for the traditional Christmas Day service at the Norfolk estate.
It was the first time in 32 years that Fergie had joined the royals for the walk, following the couple’s high-profile divorce in 1996.
And in a cheerful post with a photo of her smiling next to her daughters Beatrice, 35, and Eugene, 33, she wished her followers a happy Christmas.
She said, “We enjoy each other’s company today and are grateful.
The Duke of York, 63, and the Duchess, 64, walked behind seniors as crowds lined the road outside St Mary Magdalene Church for the traditional Christmas Day service at the Norfolk estate (pictured)
It was the first time in 32 years that Fergie had joined the royals for the walk, following the couple’s high-profile divorce in 1996.
In a cheerful post with a photo of her smiling with her daughters Beatrice, 35, and Eugene, 33, she wished her followers a happy Christmas.
Fergie held a bouquet of flowers as she wore a dark brown dress, teamed with a festive Christmas tree brooch and a large bracelet with her daughter’s name ‘Eugenie’ on it.
Following her infamous toe-sucking scandal in 1992, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugene’s mother were banned from attending the royal occasion by Prince Philip (pictured together in the 1990s)
‘I hope everyone has a great day.
‘Happy Christmas to all who celebrate and Merry Christmas to all!’
It comes as it was revealed Fergie was honored by the late queen just before her death.
The monarch approved a funeral at St George’s Chapel Windsor for Fergie, followed by internment at the royal family cemetery at Frogmore.
It marks a special honor for the royal family, as befits the mother of princesses of royal blood.
Following her infamous toe-sucking scandal in 1992, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugene’s mother were banned from attending the royal occasion by Prince Philip.
But King Charles softened his approach to Prince Andrew’s ex-wife last year, inviting her to join the family at Sandringham for the first time in decades, even though she did not attend church.
Their daughters were also present with their husbands, Princess Beatrice with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Prince Eugenie with Jack Brooksbank.
This is the Royal Mausoleum in Frogmore Gardens where the Duchess of York will be buried
Fergie held a bouquet of flowers as she wore a dark brown dress, teamed with a festive Christmas tree brooch and a large bracelet with her daughter’s name ‘Eugenie’.
In a series of gestures, she joked with the crowd – with Andrew joining in the fun as he paused and laughed ‘oh, I’ll stop’ after the Chattos, the Tindalls and Princess Anne all greeted fans.
For the second year in a row, Andrew made the walk from Sandringham to church with the other royals – symbolic of his gradual rehabilitation within the monarchy.
But Andrew’s alleged links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein will come under further scrutiny in the new year with the release of hundreds of files from a defamation case, following a ruling by a US judge.
He is said to be ‘utterly anguished’ as he braces for a revival of the scandal in the new year.