Royal commentator Ephraim Hardcastle has highlighted King Charles’s apparent efforts to restore Sarah Ferguson’s standing within the Royal Family following her divorce from Prince Andrew. The Duchess of York, aged 65, made her first Wimbledon appearance in years on July 1, signifying a step back into public royal life.
Hardcastle, writing for the Daily Mail, suggests that King Charles is actively supporting Sarah’s “rehabilitation” after years of quiet separation. Notably, the Royal Family had offered Sarah a seat in the prestigious carriage procession at Royal Ascot—a rare honor she had not received since her 1996 divorce. However, Sarah declined this invitation reportedly to avoid causing any discomfort to her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, as noted by OK! magazine.
“Sarah Ferguson’s bright smile from Wimbledon’s Royal Box confirms her ongoing rehabilitation under King Charles,” Hardcastle stated. “Her recent appearances beside the King at Royal Ascot symbolize this renewed acceptance. Turning down the carriage procession place seems to have been a considerate gesture towards Prince Andrew.”
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While Sarah appears to be regaining favour, Prince Andrew remains largely out of the public eye following his withdrawal from royal duties in 2019 amid controversies tied to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He has also faced further public scrutiny due to alleged disputes concerning Royal Lodge and claims linking him to an alleged Chinese spy.
Beyond royal dynamics, Sarah Ferguson has garnered respect and admiration for her candid discussions about her personal health challenges, including her battles with skin and breast cancer. Earlier this year, she shared with The Times how confronting cancer felt like a bomb detonating in her life, forcing her to confront her mortality. She emphasized the vital support from her family and her practices of meditation and mindfulness, which helped her maintain positivity through difficult times.
Sarah’s resilience and optimism have made her a beloved figure and an inspiration to many. Her appearance at Wimbledon, accompanied by her daughter Princess Beatrice, 36, was a rare yet welcome return to the public stage, signaling a positive turn in her royal journey.