Royal enthusiasts may have done a double-take at the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent. Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, made a striking entrance together at the solemn event on September 16. This marked their first joint appearance in over a month and also the Duke's first official public outing of the year, following his decision to step back from royal duties in 2019 amidst the swirling controversy surrounding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. (The Duke has steadfastly denied any allegations of abuse.)
King Charles III's brother and Sarah—parents to Princess Beatrice, 37, and Princess Eugenie, 35—have maintained a close friendship over the years, even choosing to reside on the same Royal Lodge estate in Windsor, despite their divorce in 1996.
At the funeral of the Duchess of Kent—wife to Queen Elizabeth II's cousin, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent—the press captured a poignant moment as Andrew and Sarah, both 65, walked hand in hand into Westminster Cathedral in London.
Last year, Sarah offered a glimpse into her enduring bond with Andrew, whom she had known since her pre-teen years. "I first laid eyes on Andrew when I was just 12," the Duchess recounted in an interview with The Sunday Times in December 2024. "My initial thought was that I was destined to marry him. Our paths crossed again when Diana invited me to Ascot in 1985, and within six months, we were engaged."
"I was completely and utterly smitten with Andrew," she continued, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "I would relive every moment, without a doubt. He's simply the best—a man of great heart and kindness. Our wedding day remains the happiest of my life."
Yet, marrying into the Royal family, she admitted, came with its own set of sacrifices. "That day, I surrendered my anonymity," Sarah reflected. "But I was willing to do so because love conquers all. And that love still binds us today."
Sarah also shared a heartfelt vow to her former spouse. "I'll never let him down," she declared. "He's been my rock through thick and thin, not just during our marriage or divorce. We're aligned on the three Cs—communication, compromise, and compassion."
