In the twilight years of Queen Elizabeth II's life, it appears the monarch found a renewed connection with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, particularly after the passing of Prince Philip. Royal author Angela Levin shared insights into the evolving relationship between the Queen and Ferguson, suggesting that the Duke of Edinburgh's aversion to Ferguson had previously influenced her standing within the royal family.
According to Levin, Prince Philip "couldn't bear" Ferguson and had not allowed her to join royal gatherings at Sandringham for over two decades. However, following his demise, the Queen seemingly began to warm up to Ferguson once again. "She always liked her because she made her laugh, and she's so bubbly and alive," Levin remarked, noting the positive shift in their rapport.
Ferguson's journey with the royal family has been tumultuous, marked by scandal and public scrutiny. Her marriage to Prince Andrew in 1986 was initially seen as a fairy tale, but it soon unraveled, culminating in a scandalous separation in 1992. Despite these challenges, Ferguson's recent health struggles, including a mastectomy surgery in June 2023, seem to have softened the Queen's stance towards her. "
You can keep separate, and you want to go your own way, but if you are a loving couple and they still love each other, you start re-thinking," Levin suggested, implying that difficult times have brought the family closer.
Levin also pointed out Ferguson's unwavering support for the monarchy and her ex-husband, despite their complicated past. "She has never said a bad word about the monarchy, and she's never said a bad word about Prince Andrew, she always said 'he's a wonderful father' and she's stuck to being very moral," Levin noted, highlighting Ferguson's commitment to maintaining a positive public image and her devotion to charitable work, particularly for children with cancer.
Despite these developments, questions remain about Ferguson's place within the royal family and her broader public image. Her proactive, "bubbly" personality might not align with the traditional royal demeanor, but her dedication to philanthropy and her role as a mother and grandmother have evidently helped mend fences within the royal household.
As the royal family continues to navigate its complex interpersonal dynamics, Ferguson's evolving relationship with the Queen and the royal family at large offers a glimpse into the intricate web of personal and public considerations that define life within the monarchy.
