'She declined': Sarah Ferguson reportedly turned down major Royal Ascot honour from King Charles III to 'spare' disgraced Prince Andrew's feelings

Sky News AU

14 hours ago

Sarah 'Fergie' Ferguson reportedly declined a significant gesture from King Charles III in to avoid upsetting her scandalous ex-husband, Prince Andrew.
The 65-year-old Duchess of York is understood to have been offered a seat in the prestigious royal carriage procession at this year's Royal Ascot - a tradition dating back to 1825 under King George IV which is marking its 200th anniversary this year.
But according to royal columnist Ephraim Hardcastle, the invitation was politely refused by Fergie because it was not extended to Andrew.
"She was offered a seat in the carriage procession … Another privilege denied since her 1996 divorce," Hardcastle wrote in the Daily Mail on Wednesday.
"However, she declined- apparently to spare the feelings of her ex-husband."
The 65-year-old Duke of York, who reportedly "loved the pomp of the procession", was permitted to attend the pre-race lunch but was "banned from attending the racing".
Despite skipping the ceremonial carriage ride, Fergie made two appearances across the event's week-long program.
On Day Four, she stepped out in a 1991 polka-dot wrap dress by Catherine Walker, a favourite designer of both hers and the late Princess Diana, teamed with a wide-brimmed Jess Collett hat, an Ethan K handbag and black-and-white two-tone pumps.
She was spotted chatting with her youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie, and son-in-law Jack Brooksbank, and was even seen greeting the King himself, who kissed her hand warmly in a rare moment of public intimacy.
Fergie and King Charles, 76, who have known each other "all their lives", are said to have remained on good terms despite the recent controversies surrounding Prince Andrew.
"I've known the King all my life and I absolutely adore him," the Duchess recently told The Times.
"He's kind and makes me laugh, and I love that he still calls me Fergie."
She also spoke warmly of Queen Camilla, 77, describing her as a close friend of her late mother.
"Queen Camilla was close friends with Mum, which is why we're so close now," she said.
"But Diana was my best friend from the age of 14. That's why it's so big that the Queen and I get on now.
"It's rather nice, and she reminds me of Mum."
While Andrew has been largely sidelined from royal life following his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and reported ties to an alleged Chinese spy, Fergie has remained one of his most loyal defenders.
Speaking to The Times in December, she said she was "totally and utterly in love" when they wed in 1986 and insisted she would "do it all over again, 100 per cent", scandals and all.
Although the York's have been separated since 1992, they have continued to live together at Royal Lodge for more than three decades.
Their refusal to vacate the dilapidated property, despite King Charles' repeated requests, has become a lingering royal saga.
Still, Fergie is increasingly stepping back into the royal spotlight.
Most recently, she joined her eldest daughter Princess Beatrice in the Royal Box on the first day of Wimbledon this week.
"Sarah's grin from the Royal Box - her first since her divorce from Andrew - confirms her continued rehabilitation under King Charles," Hardcastle observed.