How Fergie made the royal family finally forgive her

She’s the ex-wife the royal family have blamed for dragging their name through the mud, but Sarah Ferguson looks to have turned the tables on how her former in-laws view her – and it’s all down to one simple thing.

The Duchess of York, whose divorce from Prince Andrew in 1996 after a decade of marriage came amongst controversy and scandal, has struggled with her relationship with the Queen and Prince Philip ever since.

In particular, Prince Philip is said to “loathe” his former daughter-in-law, and refuses to be anywhere near her.

With Sarah the subject of an infamous toe sucking scandal where she was caught in a compromising position with her financial advisor in 1992, just months after announcing her separation from her husband, insiders say the royal family have never quite forgiven the Duchess for her indiscretions.

However in recent weeks, that’s all changed – especially with Sarah seen in the royal box at Ascot and talking to the queen last month.

Sarah, who is mum to Princess Beatrice, 29, and 28-year-old Princess Eugenie, was seen being taken into the royal box by her eldest daughter and curtsying to the queen as she went past in her royal procession.

Sarah was also a notable guest at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s high profile marriage last month.

So what could be behind the royal family’s thawing towards Sarah?

With the Duchess of York confirmed to be sitting with her ex-husband Prince Andrew at their daughter Eugenie’s wedding to Jack Brooksbank in October, it’s believed the nuptials could be the catalyst for the family’s change in attitude.

“I suspect they may well sit together, as the bride’s parents, it would make sense,” royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told the Express.

“The issue is one of some sensitivity as the Duchess has rarely been included in royal events in recent years as she is no longer a member of the Royal Family.”

For Fergie, who has always remained close to her ex-husband and even shares a residence with him, what appears to be a begrudging forgiveness by the royals is something that will only help make family life easier for her.

“We’re a family unit and we lead by example,” she explained in an interview with Hello. “We support each other emotionally and we support each other health wise.

“At least every two weeks we sit down and communicate, the four of us.”

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