Prince Andrew Attends Royal Christmas as Ex-Wife Sarah Ferguson Joins for First Time Since 1990s

The couple was joined by both of their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson joined members of the royal family for their traditional Christmas Day church outing.

Despite stepping back from his royal role in 2019 and being stripped of his military titles and patronages by his mother, Queen Elizabeth, in 2022 due to his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew appeared with the royals on Monday as they attended the holiday church service in Norfolk. Andrew, 63, walked with the family as they made their way to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene.

He was joined by his ex-wife, Fergie (as the Duchess of York is affectionately known). Her appearance was a surprise, as Fergie has not joined the royal family's Christmas walk to church since the early 1990s, as the pair separated in 1992 and divorced in 1996. However, Prince Andrew and Fergie have remained friendly, even continuing to live together at Royal Lodge in Windsor.

The former couple's two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, also made the traditional Christmas outing.

Fergie, 64, shared a photo with her children on Christmas Day via her Instagram page. She wrote, "We are enjoying each other’s company and feeling grateful today. I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Happy Christmas to anyone who celebrates and season’s greetings to all!"

Related: Prince Andrew Attends Brother King Charles' Coronation Despite Leaving Public Royal Duties

Prince Andrew announced his decision to "step back from public duties" in 2019, following his bombshell interview with the BBC about his ties to disgraced financier Epstein.

In January 2022, Queen Elizabeth stripped her son of his military titles and patronages amid Virginia Giuffre's sexual assault lawsuit against him, in which Giuffre alleged she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with the royal at the age of 17. Andrew has denied any wrongdoing. An out-of-court settlement for an undisclosed amount was reached in February.

Prince Andrew retained his title as the Duke of York and kept his place in the line of succession to the throne, which is currently eighth behind Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's two children. However, he no longer uses the style "His Royal Highness" in any official capacity.

Although Prince Andrew no longer carries out royal duties, he still attends family events such as the traditional Easter Sunday church service and their walk to church on Christmas last year.

He appeared at the funeral services for Queen Elizabeth last September, although he was not allowed to wear his military uniform like other members of the family. An exception was made for the Vigil of the Princes at Westminster Hall when the monarch's four children — King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward — stood a symbolic watch around their mother's coffin, all appearing in uniform.

Prince Andrew also attended King Charles and Queen Camilla's coronation in May.

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During a U.S. press tour for her novel A Most Intriguing Lady this year, Fergie (as Sarah Ferguson is affectionately known) said it was difficult to see the "demise" of her ex-husband.

"You've been divorced for many, many years, and yet you've been Andrew's rock," Good Morning America correspondent Juju Chang asked Fergie in March. "What's it been like watching him go through this withering public scrutiny?"

"So sad, so sad," she replied. "We've been there for each other — you know, when I've gone through really bad times in the past, Andrew's always been there."

"He is exceptionally kind, and he is a very, seriously good grandfather. He's very steadfast for the girls," Fergie continued, referencing Princess Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, 33. "We are women that also have had to see the demise of a very strong man, and that has been really difficult to see."

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