The Duchess of York, Sarah ‘Fergie’ Ferguson, has revealed her unwavering support for her disgraced ex-husband, Prince Andrew, despite his very public fall from grace.
Speaking with Good Morning America, the Duchess said that it was devastating for herself and the pair’s daughter’s to witness the downfall of such a “steadfast” man, but they’ll always remain loyal to him.
“He’s very steadfast for the girls. We are women that also have had to see a demise of a very strong man, and that has been really difficult to see,” Fergie said.
Regardless of their separation in 1996, the pair have managed to remain on amicable terms and even live together in the Royal Lodge.
“We’ve been there for each other,” she said.
“When I’ve gone through really bad times in the past, Andrew’s always been there. He is exceptionally kind and he is very seriously a good grandfather.”
Speaking with Hello, Fergie revealed she’d been supporting her ex-husband since he was stripped of his titles and royal benefits.
“Well, since he stepped back [from royal duties] he doesn’t actually take taxpayers’ money,” she said.
“And I’m in a position where I can support him and the rest of the family through my work. And I’m really pleased and proud to do that.”
In January 2022, Buckingham Palace announced that the Duke of York was stripped of military associations and patronages by the late Queen Elizabeth II following a significant blow to his reputation after a civil lawsuit was brought against him for sexual assault of a minor.
In December 2022, Prince Andrew’s already-tarnished reputation suffered yet another blow as reports surfaced that he is expected to lose his royal protection funded by taxpayers.
It’s expected that Andrew will have to foot the bill for private security, given that he is no longer a working royal, he is no longer entitled to the same level of protection.
A royal insider told The Sun that “Andrew is no longer a working royal and carries out zero royal duties so there is no automatic right that the British people should pay for armed protection.”
“He is still a high-profile person and would be no doubt a security target,” the insider said.
“But there is no longer any justification for taxpayers to carry the cost of armed police.
“He has been demoted by the Royal Family and as a result, his security is downgraded.
“It is a shattering blow to his ego. Made worse by the fact if he cannot afford it he’d be cap in hand begging for money from his older brother.”