Sarah Ferguson Expresses Gratitude to Queen Elizabeth II as a Beloved Companion on Special Occasion

Sarah Ferguson Says Late Queen Elizabeth II Was a Dear Friend

Sarah Ferguson, Queen Elizabeth II. Getty Images (2)

Sarah Ferguson is honoring Queen Elizabeth II on her late monarch's birthday.

"Today, we are commemorating what would have been Queen Elizabeth II's 97th birthday," Ferguson, 64, shared on Instagram on Sunday, April 21. "Thank you for your teachings, leadership, and friendship. We miss you dearly."

The Duchess of York, who was previously married to Prince Andrew, shared a throwback photo of Queen Elizabeth standing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Her son-in-law Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, who is married to Princess Beatrice, liked the tribute.

Sarah Ferguson became part of the royal family in 1986 when she married Andrew, who is now 64 years old. They have two daughters together, Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, 34. Despite separating in 1992 and finalizing their divorce in 1996, Andrew and Ferguson continued to live in close proximity at the Royal Lodge in Windsor.

The queen passed away in September 2022 at the age of 96. Following her death, Andrew and Ferguson took in her beloved pet corgis.

During a March 2023 interview on Live With Kelly and Ryan, Ferguson humorously mentioned that the corgis are considered national treasures. She shared that when they go chasing squirrels, they need to be taken straight to the vet. Interestingly, the corgis do not have security detail like the royals. Instead, they are protected by Ferguson's five Norfolk terriers. Each night, they have their own royal beds and bedrooms to sleep in.

Sarah Ferguson Says Late Queen Elizabeth II Was a Dear Friend

Queen Elizabeth II. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Two months later, Ferguson shared that the dogs are still longing for Elizabeth.

"They can feel Queen Elizabeth's presence at Royal Lodge, Windsor," Ferguson mentioned to the U.K.'s Express in May 2023.

"It feels like Queen Elizabeth is nearby and having a good time. I'm not being strange. At night, they prefer to have their own space. I understand that they probably miss her. I miss her too."

After Elizabeth passed away, her son King Charles III became the new monarch. His official coronation happened in May 2023, and Ferguson watched it on TV at home with her pets. Although she wasn't invited to the ceremony, Ferguson did attend the Coronation Concert with her daughters over the weekend.

Despite their past, Ferguson and Andrew have remained on good terms. They were seen together at the royals' Easter service on March 31, along with Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Sir Tim Laurence, Prince Edward, and Duchess Sophie.

Editor's P/S:

Sarah Ferguson's heartfelt tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on her birthday is a touching reminder of the deep bond between the late monarch and her family. Ferguson's words convey both gratitude and a sense of loss, honoring the Queen's leadership and friendship while acknowledging the void her passing has left. The anecdote about the corgis missing Elizabeth adds a poignant touch, highlighting the enduring connection between the Queen and her beloved pets.

Ferguson's continued close relationship with Andrew and her attendance at the Coronation Concert with her daughters demonstrate the enduring strength of family ties within the royal family. Despite the challenges they have faced, Ferguson and Andrew have maintained a strong bond, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of the British monarchy in the face of change.