Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson attended the annual Easter Mattins service with the royal family at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. Both 64 years old, Andrew wore a black morning suit with a pale green tie, while Ferguson wore an emerald tweed dress that complemented her black, embroidered headband. They were seen leaving the chapel with Princess Anne and Sir Tim Laurence, as well as King Charles III and Prince Edward, along with their wives Queen Camilla and Duchess Sophie. Charles and Ferguson are both battling cancer and this marked their first public appearance since starting treatment.
Andrew faced scandal in late 2019 when he was accused of misconduct by Virginia Giuffre, which led to him being stripped of his “HRH” honorific in 2022. He denied the allegations, stating that he had no recollection of ever meeting Giuffre. Giuffre later filed a lawsuit in August 2021 alleging rape and sexual abuse when she was 17 years old. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum. Andrew had previously stepped back from his royal duties amid the scandal but made appearances at Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s funerals in 2021 and 2022, as well as Charles’ coronation in May 2023.
Ferguson had also faced challenges after divorcing Andrew in 1996, losing many royal associations. She was not invited to Charles’ coronation but attended a celebratory concert at Buckingham Palace. Ferguson expressed her perspective on the situation on the U.K.’s Loose Women, stating that one cannot be divorced and expect to still have all royal privileges. She mentioned her plans to celebrate the coronation with tea and a sandwich, highlighting her separation from the royal family. Andrew and Ferguson still reside together at the Royal Lodge in Windsor and are caring for the late queen’s corgis, along with Ferguson’s other dogs, who have become part of the pack.
This Easter service marked a rare public appearance for Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson since facing their respective scandals and challenges. Andrew’s role as a member of the royal family was diminished following the scandal with Giuffre and the loss of his “HRH” honorific. Ferguson also experienced a shift in her relationship with the royal family after divorcing Andrew. Despite their individual struggles, the couple remains connected through their shared home and care for the queen’s corgis. Both Andrew and Ferguson have adapted to life outside the royal circle and have found ways to continue their relationship and responsibilities.
The royal family’s attendance at the Easter service demonstrated their unity and commitment to their royal duties despite personal challenges. The presence of Andrew and Ferguson highlighted their resilience and ability to navigate public events despite their respective scandals. While Andrew continues to deny the allegations against him, his appearance at public events with the family shows his willingness to maintain ties with the royal family. Ferguson’s candid comments about her situation post-divorce also shed light on the complexities of royal relationships and the impact of personal decisions on royal privileges.
Overall, the Easter Mattins service brought together the royal family, including Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, as they navigated personal challenges and scandals while continuing their royal duties. Andrew’s denial of the allegations against him and Ferguson’s candid remarks about her status post-divorce showcase their individual journeys outside the royal circle. Despite these challenges, the couple remains connected through their shared home and responsibilities for the queen’s corgis. Their presence at the service reflects their resilience and commitment to maintaining ties with the royal family amidst personal struggles.
