In a touching gesture to mark what would have been the 63rd birthday of the late Princess of Wales, Sarah Ferguson, also known as Fergie the Duchess of York, took to social media on July 1 to pay homage to her dear friend, Diana.

Sharing a poignant message, Fergie expressed, “Happy birthday to my dear friend, Diana,” alongside a photo capturing a moment of camaraderie between them at Buckingham Palace back in 1990.

The image showcased the two women standing side by side on the palace balcony, witnessing the Battle of Britain anniversary parade.

Fergie’s words resonated with sincerity as she continued, acknowledging Diana’s enduring legacy and the profound impact she had on those around her.

“Your love and light shone brightly,” she reflected, reminiscing about the joy they shared and the genuine kindness she always felt from Diana.

Despite their close friendship dating back to their teenage years, Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson became more than just friends when they both married into the royal family.

Recalling their bond in an exclusive interview with People magazine in 2021, Fergie revealed that their friendship blossomed when she was 15 and Diana was 14.

It was Diana who introduced Fergie to Prince Andrew, with Fergie fondly remembering Diana’s reaction to Andrew’s charm.

The union of Sarah and Andrew, parents to Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, faced its challenges, leading to a divorce a decade after their marriage.

Nevertheless, the ex-couple maintained an amicable relationship and shared parenting duties.

As members of the royal family, both Diana and Sarah found solace in each other’s company, exchanging stories and words of encouragement during trying times.

Reflecting on their shared struggles with mental health, Fergie emphasized the importance of resilience in the face of public scrutiny.

“It’s very easy to fall off the pedestal when you’re at the top,” she noted, recounting Diana’s wise words.

Despite being portrayed as both saints and sinners in the public eye, Fergie highlighted the strength they found in standing united against external judgment.

Looking ahead to the present, Sarah Ferguson expressed her belief that Princess Diana would take pride in her role as a grandmother to five grandchildren, the offspring of her sons, the Prince of Wales and the Duke.

During a recent appearance on Good Morning America in 2023, Fergie playfully mused about the prospect of a “granny off” competition with Diana, imagining the late princess as a spirited competitor in the races.

In closing, Sarah Ferguson’s reflections on her enduring friendship with Princess Diana offer a glimpse into the bond shared between two remarkable women navigating the complexities of royal life.