- The Duchess walked behind senior members of the royal family at the traditional Christmas service
Sarah Ferguson said she was “grateful” after celebrating Christmas with the royals for the first time since 1992.
The Duke of York, 63, and the Duchess, 64, walked behind senior royals as crowds lined the street outside St Mary Magdalene Church for the traditional Christmas service on the Norfolk estate.
It was the first time in 32 years that Fergie joined the royals on the walk, following the couple's highly publicized divorce in 1996.
And in a joyful post that showed a picture of her laughing next to her daughters Beatrice, 35, and Eugene, 33, she warmly wished her followers a Merry Christmas.
She said: “We are enjoying each other’s company today and are grateful.”
The Duke of York, 63, and Duchess, 64, walked behind senior royals as crowds lined the street outside St Mary Magdalene Church for the traditional Christmas service on the Norfolk estate (pictured).
It was the first time in 32 years that Fergie joined the royals on the walk, following the couple's highly publicized divorce in 1996
In a cheerful post that showed a picture of her laughing next to her daughters Beatrice (35) and Eugene (33), she warmly wished her followers a Merry Christmas
Fergie held a bouquet of flowers while wearing a dark brown dress, paired with a festive Christmas tree brooch and a large bracelet that had her daughter's name “Eugenie” written on it.
Following their infamous toe-sucking scandal in 1992, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugene's mother was banned from attending the royal occasion by Prince Philip (pictured together in the 1990s).
“I hope everyone has a wonderful day.”
“Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates and happy holidays to everyone!”
It was revealed that Fergie was honored by the late Queen shortly before her death.
The monarch approved a funeral for Fergie at St George's Chapel in Windsor, followed by internment at the royal family burial site at Frogmore.
It represents a unique honor for the king, as befits the mother of princesses of royal blood.
After her infamous toe-sucking scandal in 1992, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugene's mother was banned from attending the royal occasion by Prince Philip.
But King Charles softened his stance on Prince Andrew's former wife last year, inviting her to join the family at Sandringham for the first time in decades, although she did not go to church with them.
Their daughters were also present with their husbands, Princess Beatrice with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Prince Eugenie with Jack Brooksbank.
This is the royal mausoleum in Frogmore Gardens where the Duchess of York is buried
Fergie held a bouquet of flowers while wearing a dark brown dress, paired with a festive Christmas tree brooch and a large bracelet that had her daughter's name “Eugenie” written on it.
In a series of gestures, she joked with the crowd – and Andrew joined in the fun as he paused and laughed “Oh, I'll stop” after the Chattos, the Tindalls and Princess Anne had all greeted fans.
For the second time in a row, Andrew made the journey from Sandringham to the church with the other members of the royal family – a symbol of his gradual rehabilitation within the monarchy.
But Andrew's alleged links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein will face further scrutiny in the new year following a US judge's ruling with the release of hundreds of files from a libel case.
He is said to be “completely tormented” as he prepares for the scandal to flare up again in the new year.