Fergie reveals life in wake of Prince Andrew scandal: “Been hard on the girls and me”
The Duchess of York has leapt to the defence of her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, again in a new interview with Vogue Arabia.
Prince Andrew’s interview on Newsnight – where he discussed the matters of his personal relationship with sex offender and alleged child trafficker Jeffrey Epstein – went up in flames and is widely regarded as a disaster for the royal family.
In hindsight, the Duke of York’s words where he categorically denied any accusations that he’d had sex with one of Epstein’s alleged victims, is considered the decision that let to him standing back from his royal duties for the “foreseeable future”.
"It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work and the valuable work going on in the many organisations and charities that I am proud to support," the Duke of York said in a personal statement issued back in November.
"Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission."
When speaking to Vogue Arabia, Sarah Ferguson addressed the bitter royal scandal, saying the media scrutiny has been “incredibly difficult”.
It is unclear whether the conversation with the publication took place before or after the Newsnight interview, however, the Duchess did briefly discuss her ex-husband’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
"When I talk about Prince Andrew, I talk about family because the last six months have been hard on the girls and me," she said.
"To see such a wonderful man go through such enormous pain. He is the best man I know.
“It’s just incredible what he has done for Britain, and it’s all nonsense [her voice raises as she alludes to the Epstein scandal], so I talk about familyhood, and I’m very strong about it."
This is not the first time Fergie has publicly declared her support for the royal, first posting a message of positivity about her former husband on November 16.
“Andrew is a true and real gentleman and is stoically steadfast to not only his duty but also his kindness and goodness of always seeing the best in people,” she said at the time.
Prince Andrew is yet to make a public appearance since stepping back from his royal duties, however there is a chance we all may see him with the rest of the royal family at the Christmas church services in Sandringham.