Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew separated over three decades ago, but according to royal photographer Arthur Edwards, Fergie's loyalty to her ex-husband remains unchanged.
Edwards has reflected on four decades of working with the Duchess of York, whom he described as “one of my favourite royals” despite her many public ups and downs.
Fergie, as she is still widely known, was first introduced to Prince Andrew in 1985 through a set-up arranged by Princess Diana.
At the time, Andrew was revered as a national hero following his service in the Falklands War, and the pair’s relationship quickly became a media sensation.
Sarah Ferguson 'will always be there for Prince Andrew', royal photographer claims
|GETTY
Edwards recalled how, in the early days of their romance, he spoke to photographers outside Fergie’s office to give her space amid growing press interest.
He wrote in the Sun: “Can we stand back, not hassle her, let her walk into work and we will still get good pictures.”
The photographer added that although he missed the photo himself, Fergie “never forgot what had happened that day.”
From skiing holidays to public scandals, Edwards chronicled the highs and lows of her royal journey, including the infamous 1992 “toe-sucking” incident and her decision to step away from royal duties.
Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew divorced in 1996 but continue to live at Royal Lodge | GETTYBut despite the 1996 divorce, Fergie’s closeness with Prince Andrew has remained constant. Edwards believes that their bond is unbreakable. “Sarah and Andrew are still very close and will be until the day they die,” he claimed.
In another moment of warmth, Edwards shared how Fergie once said: “You were there at the beginning — you should be here at the end,” when her marriage officially ended in 1996.
Her devotion to family was also evident in 1990, when she travelled to Argentina with her toddler, Beatrice and baby Eugenie to say goodbye to her dying stepfather.
Edwards, who was on the scene, recalled Fergie arriving on horseback with young Beatrice perched on the saddle.
Arthur Edwards has been a royal photographer for many decades
|GETTY
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
The York family have a close relationship, with Sarah and her daughters often posting photos of each other to mark special occasions
|INSTAGRAM / SARAH FERGUSON
In later years, Edwards said she continued to work hard to support her daughters and clear her debts, including roles with WeightWatchers, Wedgwood and Waterford Crystal. “It’s so lovely not to have any more debt,” she once told him.
Even after nearly 30 years of divorce, Edwards says Fergie remains devoted to Andrew and their family.
He added: “One thing I know about the King is that he is a kind man who was never going to kick his brother and Fergie out of their home, Royal Lodge at Windsor.”
“She will always be there for Andrew,” he concluded.