Sarah Ferguson’s return to walking among the Royal Family in Sandringham highlighted the difference between her and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, a royal expert said.
For the first time in over 30 years Ms Ferguson strode alongside the top brass of the Firm during their Christmas walk from the royal estate in Sandringham to the nearby church. Her appearance at the highly publicised event shows a clear move to accept her back into the fold, royal experts have noted.
In particular, it marks a contrast with how the Sussexes have been treated by the Firm, they said. They added this is due to the key difference in how Ms Ferguson has approached her own scandal, and how Harry and Meghan have dealt with theirs.
Ms Ferguson, who separated from Prince Andrew in 1992, was banned from the walk and other royal events after photos were released that same year of financial adviser John Bryan sucking her toes.
Prince Philip “couldn’t bear to be in the same room” as her after that, royal expert Hilary Foldwich told Fox News.
Ms Fordwich added that Ms Ferguson’s appearance at the Sandringham walk was certainly a calculated one. She said: “What might seem to an outsider as a casual stroll on Christmas Day to the church service at St. Mary Magdalene in Sandringham, Norfolk, is actually a carefully choreographed, highly public promenade.”
Explaining why the King would make the offer to Ms Ferguson, she said: “He was ‘doing unto others’ as heralded during his Christmas address regarding ‘compassion’ in order to broadly reiterate his affection and fondness for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.”
She added: “He was also demonstrating that extended family is important to him and his inviting her signifies a restoration of her place in the Royal Family”. He also wanted “a heartwarming end to a challenging year” for Sarah, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery in 2022.
But Ms Ferguson’s invitation was also because she had “never burned bridges with the family” and has been “steadfast in her support of them all” – unlike the estranged Sussexes.
This explains the “stark contrast” in the Firm’s treatment of Harry and Meghan, Ms Fordwich explained.
Royal author Phil Dampier even suggested the decision by the royal family to invite Fergie was a direct message to Harry and Meghan. He told the Sun: “The royals put on a show of unity at Christmas, with even Prince Andrew’s ex-wife Fergie being allowed to walk to church and join them for lunch. The message was clear – everyone was welcome except Harry and Meghan.”
This, he said, showed the Sussexes that they “can’t hold a candle” to Kate and William, who have “never been more popular”.
Lambasting Harry and Meghan’s career, he added: “Even in America people are fed up with their constant moaning and want them to do something positive. Just turning up at the occasional charity event or being seen at concerts and baseball games isn’t enough.”
