The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, made a triumphant return to the heart of the royal family on Christmas Day as she joined the Windsors for their traditional walkabout at Sandringham.
This unexpected appearance has left many wondering about the reasons behind her inclusion in the festivities.
According to experts, King Charles extended the invitation to Sarah Ferguson due to his fondness for her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Robert Hardman, author of “Charles III, New King.
New Court.
The inside story,” shed light on the monarch’s intentions.
He stated that the King wanted to express his affection for the Duke and Duchess of York’s daughters.
This gesture is seen as a way for the King to demonstrate his fondness for Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who have always been close to their aunt.
Mr. Hardman further explained that Sarah Ferguson’s presence at Sandringham signifies a readjustment and a significant step forward.
In the past, she had been somewhat excluded from royal events following the breakdown of her marriage in the mid-90s.
However, this Christmas, she stood alongside her ex-husband and the rest of the royal family, showing that life moves on and relationships can evolve.
Robert Hardman’s insights were shared ahead of the documentary “Charles III, the coronation year,” which will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer on Boxing Day.
The documentary, co-produced by Mr. Hardman, follows the monarch and Queen Camilla during their first year of reign.
Notably, Prince Andrew and Prince Harry do not feature in the program, but the Duke of York did join the King and Queen for the walkabout at Sandringham, accompanied by Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
This year marked the second time that Prince Andrew participated in the walk from Sandringham to the church with the rest of the royals, symbolizing his gradual rehabilitation within the monarchy.
In the past, Sarah Ferguson had been ostracized from the royal family due to scandals, such as the toe-sucking incident in the 90s and a cash-for-access scandal in 2010.
However, in recent months, she has garnered praise for her openness about her battle with breast cancer, becoming an inspiration for other women to prioritize their health.
It is worth noting that it has been quite some time since Sarah Ferguson was last seen walking to church with Queen Elizabeth II.
The last documented instance was in the early 1990s.
After the Christmas service, Andrew and Sarah joined King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Kate in meeting the waiting public.
Andrew appeared jovial, engaging with royal fans, while Sarah graciously accepted flowers and spoke to many well-wishers.
Barbara Locke, an 80-year-old royal enthusiast from Sleaford, Lincolnshire, expressed her delight at seeing Sarah Ferguson back with the royal family.
She described Sarah as a “nice girl” who fits in well and exudes authenticity.
Barbara, a devoted royalist, even had the opportunity to shake the King’s hand, which made her day all the more memorable.
Sarah Ferguson’s unexpected presence at Sandringham has sparked intrigue and speculation.
While some may view it as a simple gesture of inclusion, others see it as a significant step towards reconciliation and a testament to the evolving dynamics within the royal family.
Regardless of the reasons behind her appearance, Sarah Ferguson’s return to the fold has undoubtedly captured the attention and admiration of royal enthusiasts worldwide.