Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson attend Christmas 2023.Photo:ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty
ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty
Prince AndrewandSarah Fergusonjoined members of the royal family for their traditional Christmas Day church outing.
The former couple’s two daughters,Princess BeatriceandPrincess Eugenie, also made the traditional Christmas outing.
Fergie, 64, shared a photo with her children on Christmas Day via her Instagram page. She wrote, “We are enjoying each other’s company and feeling grateful today. I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Happy Christmas to anyone who celebrates and season’s greetings to all!”
Sarah Ferguson attends royal Christmas 2023.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty
Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty
Prince Andrew announced his decision to “step back from public duties” in 2019, following hisbombshell interview with the BBCabout his ties to disgraced financier Epstein.
Prince Andrew retained his title as the Duke of York and kept his place in the line of succession to the throne, which is currently eighth behindPrince HarryandMeghan Markle’s two children. However, he no longer uses the style “His Royal Highness” in any official capacity.
Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Beatrice attend Christmas 2023.Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty
Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty
Although Prince Andrew no longer carries out royal duties, he still attends family events such as the traditionalEaster Sunday church serviceand their walk to church onChristmaslast year.
He appeared at the funeral services for Queen Elizabeth last September, although he wasnot allowed to wear his military uniformlike other members of the family. An exception was made for theVigil of the Princesat Westminster Hall when the monarch’s four children — King Charles,Princess Anne, Prince Andrew andPrince Edward— stood asymbolic watcharound their mother’s coffin, all appearing in uniform.
Prince Andrew alsoattended King Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronationin May.
Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Beatrice on Christmas 2023.Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty
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During a U.S. press tour for her novelA Most Intriguing Ladythis year, Fergie (as Sarah Ferguson is affectionately known) said it was difficult to see the “demise” of her ex-husband.
“You’ve been divorced for many, many years, and yet you’ve been Andrew’s rock,“Good Morning Americacorrespondent Juju Chang asked Fergie in March. “What’s it been like watching him go through this withering public scrutiny?”
Jack Brooksbank and Princess Eugenie on Christmas 2023.Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty
“So sad, so sad,” she replied. “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.”
“He is exceptionally kind, and he is a very, seriously good grandfather. He’s very steadfast for the girls,” Fergie continued, referencing 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.”
source: people.com
