Royal family followers united with admiration to see Sarah Ferguson join the rest of the family for Christmas. And Fergie (as fans affectionately refer to the Duchess of York) earned applause for her return after more than 30 years.
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Prince Andrew attended the royal Christmas as well as his ex-wife Fergie. However, the Duchess of York’s appearance stood out because it marks her first attendance at a royal Christmas since early 1990. Get all the details below.
Sarah Ferguson – Attends Royal Christmas
Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson turned heads as the royal family stopped out for their annual Christmas Day outing.
And fans seemed especially moved to see the Duchess of York, known as Fergie, in her first appearance at the royal family’s Christmas outing since early 1990, per People.
But while Fergie received cheers, some observers felt shocked to see Prince Andrew. He joined the rest of the family after leaving his royal role in 2019 due to his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
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And in addition, the late Queen Elizabeth removed her son’s military titles and patronages after he disgraced the royal family.
But the royal family showed no evidence of disapproval as they sedately headed out to the holiday church service in Norfolk.
And Andrew, 63, trotted with his royal relatives on the traditional walk. However, the appearance of his ex-wife, Fergie, the Duchess of York, offered the biggest surprise of the day.
Fergie – Shares Joy About Royal Reunion
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Royal history reveals that the Duchess of York has not walked with the royal family to church on Christmas since early 1990. But although Andrew and Fergie split in 1992 and divorced in 1996, the two still reside together at Royal Lodge in Windsor.
And the 64-year-old Duchess of York also shared her joy at spending time with her two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, on the traditional Christmas outing. Turning to Instagram, Fergie posted a pic with her children.
“We are enjoying each other’s company and feeling grateful today. I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Happy Christmas to anyone who celebrates,” added the Duchess of York. “And season’s greetings to all!”
Prince Andrew – Remains Disgraced
However, while royal fans appreciated seeing Fergie’s return to the royal family tradition, Prince Andrew didn’t receive such a warm reception. Ever since his shocking interview with the BBC about his links to disgraced financier Epstein, Andrew has avoided the public spotlight. However, he denied any guilt.
And Queen Elizabeth removed her son’s military titles and patronages amid Virginia Giuffre’s sexual assault lawsuit against him. Giuffre alleged that Epstein trafficked her, forcing her to become intimate with the royal at age 17. The amount of the subsequent out-of-court settlement remains unknown.
And although Prince Andrew kept his title as the Duke of York and place in the line of succession to the throne, he stopped using the term His Royal Highness. Andrew also appeared at the funeral services for Queen Elizabeth last September.
Meanwhile, Fergie discussed the situation amid a U.S. press tour for her novel A Most Intriguing Lady this year. And she called it challenging to see what happened to her ex-husband. “So sad, so sad,” she admitted. “We’ve been there for each other — you know, when I’ve gone through really bad times in the past, Andrew’s always been there.”
And Fergie described her ex-husband as “exceptionally kind, and he is a very, seriously good grandfather. He’s very steadfast for the girls,” she added about Princess Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, 33. “We are women that also have had to see the demise of a very strong man, and that has been really difficult to see.”
Tell us what you think. How do you feel about Fergie’s joy at returning to the royal family’s Christmas walk tradition? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more royal family news.
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I think it was about time Fergie was asked back. Andrew is going to be even more despondent after that list of named comes out. He can deny as much as he wants but pictures don’t lie.
I think it was about time Fergie was asked back. Andrew is going to be even more despondent after that list of names comes out. He can deny as much as he wants but pictures don’t lie.
I loved seeing Fergie back in the procession to and from the Church on Christmas…. it was more than about time.