Before Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle joined the royal family, England once had royal sisters-in-law: Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson. The two had a close relationship, but they reportedly "fell apart" before Diana died. But, only a few people knew what kind of relationship they had with their mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II. Is Her Majesty close to her former daughters-in-law?
There were previous talks Queen Elizabeth didn't like Princess Diana, but that's not the case. Her Majesty approved the marriage of Prince Charles and Diana, but the latter didn't reportedly adjust to the royal life when she joined the family - the way the Queen expected her to.
Princess Diana connects with the public, but not what other royals do, since she's very vocal and honest. Her honesty reportedly became too much for Queen Elizabeth, especially when she and Prince Charles separated and she started disclosing information to the press regarding her troubled marriage with the future king.
Following Princess Diana's Panorama Interview back in 1995, Queen Elizabeth reportedly wrote a letter and sent it to her, advising the duchess to divorce Prince Charles - and they did in 1996. But despite their differences over the past years, Her Majesty paid tribute to her former daughter-in-law following her death.
The Queen said at that time Diana never lost her capacity to smile and laugh, either in good or bad times. She added that she admired and respected her former daughter-in-law - especially her commitment to others, as well as her devotion to her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
When it comes to Queen Elizabeth's relationship with Sarah Ferguson, Her Majesty reportedly had a better relationship with her than she did with Diana. According to the book titled The Queen: Volume 2 written by Ben Pimlott, the royal family reportedly "took to Fergie than they did to Diana." The book noted Her Majesty liked the way "how Ferguson sits with legs apart and making jokes."
It also added that when Prince Andrew was away sometimes, Queen Elizabeth would invite the duchess and they would dine together. However, when Ferguson's "toe-sucking scandal" made headlines years back, Her Majesty was upset with her.
But after Prince Andrew and Ferguson separated, the two women reportedly rebuild their relationship, and they're now in good terms. A source cited by The Sydney Morning Herald also claims they started meeting again and even enjoyed tea together. The insider further said Queen Elizabeth tries to see the best in people and she stayed in close touch, including having a cup of tea with Ferguson regularly at Windsor.
