ALL IS FERGIVEN
Sarah Ferguson joins royals in church on Christmas Day for first time in 32yrs – in show of seasonal goodwill by Charles
Fergie and Andrew waved and joked with fans on a 'sensational' return to the walkabout
SARAH Ferguson joined the royals in church on Christmas Day for the first time in 32 years — in a show of seasonal goodwill by King Charles.
The Duchess of York walked with ex-husband Prince Andrew for the traditional service at Sandringham.
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Fergie and Andrew waved and joked with fans on a 'sensational' return to the walkabout.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children George, ten, Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Louis also greeted wellwishers in Norfolk.
But there was no sign of Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet, who are believed to be in California for the festive season.
Fergie had been banished from the meet-up since her 1992 toe-sucking scandal with US financier John Bryan, months after separating from Andrew.
She posted online of her ex: “We are enjoying each other’s company and feeling grateful. I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Happy Christmas to anyone who celebrates and season’s greetings to all!”
Royal expert Phil Dampier hailed her return as a “sensational development”.
He said: “Although the late Queen was very fond of Sarah, she would never have allowed her to be given that status having been divorced from Andrew.
“It shows King Charles has a big heart by allowing Andrew to play a major role, as well as bringing his ex-wife.”
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Andy and Fergie divorced in 1996 but still live in separate wings of Royal Lodge Windsor.
Andrew looked relaxed despite the prospect of New Year scrutiny over his links to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Duke threw up his hands as he cracked jokes with fans.
Fergie collected flowers and was the last royal to return to Sandringham.
She also spoke to Sun photographer Arthur Edwards, who has been taking pictures of her since 1985.
Arthur said: “It was lovely to see her back with the Royal Family. She came over and gave me a hug.”
Around 1,000 fans waited for a glimpse of the family.
The King and Queen — in a blue silk paisley dress and camel cashmere coat by Anna Valentine, a beret by Philip Treacy and Queen
Elizabeth’s raspberry pip brooch — led the royals from Sandringham to the hour-long service at St Mary Magdalene Church.
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Fergie chatted with Reverend Canon Paul Williams as her daughters Beatrice, 35, and Eugenie, 33, made their way in.
After the service, smiling Louis walked hand-in-hand with Mia Tindall, nine, daughter of Mike and Zara.
Louis, George and Charlotte were handed wooden money boxes by a fan as Kate said: “Oh, that’s cool isn’t it?”
Kate wore a jacket by Alexander McQueen and double-drop sapphire earrings which were owned by Princess Diana.
Barbara Locke, 80, from Sleaford, Lincs, and a Sandringham Christmas visitor for more than 30 years, said about Fergie’s reappearance: “She’s a nice girl, she fits in and is genuine. I like seeing her with the Royal Family again.”
Rachel Bylo, 85, travelled from St Albans, Herts, and wished Fergie a merry Christmas. She said: “It’s nice to have her here with her girls — Eugenie and Beatrice are lovely.”
The crowd were delighted by the appearance of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh — Edward and Sophie — plus Princess Anne and Tim Laurence.
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It was the second year in succession Andrew has walked from Sandringham to church.
His alleged links to Epstein will come under scrutiny with the release of hundreds of files from a defamation case, after a ruling by a US judge.
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