Sarah Ferguson "rejected King Charles's offer" to avoid upsetting Prince Andrew, according to new claims.
Fergie, 65, attended Royal Ascot alongside several senior members of the Royal Family.
King Charles, 76, is understood to have offered the Duchess of York a seat in the carriage procession at the racing event.
However, according to claims in the Mail, the Duchess declined this privilege "apparently to spare the feelings of her ex-husband", despite it being an honour she had been denied since their 1996 divorce.
Sarah Ferguson 'rejects King Charles's offer' to avoid upsetting Prince Andrew.
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Prince Andrew, 65, stepped down as a working royal in 2019 and is now rarely seen in public.
A source told the outlet: "Andrew, who loved the pomp of the procession, was allowed at the pre-racing lunch but banned from attending the racing."
The Duchess of York additionally made her first appearance at Wimbledon's Royal Box in nearly three decades on Monday, marking a significant moment in her relationship with the Royal Family.
Sarah attended the Championships alongside her daughter Princess Beatrice, 36, on what was a scorching summer day at the All England Club.
Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson pictured at Royal Ascot.
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This was her first time in the prestigious Royal Box since her divorce from Prince Andrew in 1996. She did attend the SW19 competition in 2001 in a private capacity.
Sarah's return to Wimbledon's Royal Box appeared to confirm her continued rehabilitation under King Charles.
Her two appearances at Royal Ascot alongside the King further evidence this warming relationship, suggesting a deliberate effort by Charles to welcome her back into royal circles.
Whilst Sarah's standing within the Royal Family appears to be improving, Prince Andrew's situation remains markedly different.
King Charles kissing Sarah Ferguson's hand at Ascot.
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The Duke of York has been largely absent from public view since 2019, when he stepped back from royal duties following his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Recent months have brought further controversy, with reported tensions with King Charles over Royal Lodge and revelations about his connections to an alleged Chinese spy.
Sarah's public rehabilitation has been bolstered by her openness about her health battles, having faced both skin and breast cancer diagnoses within a year.
Speaking to the Times earlier this year, she said: "It was hard. I'm generally a positive person, but cancer is like a bomb going off in your life.
Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson pictured at Wimbledon.
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"One diagnosis is enough to deal with, but I had two in the space of a year.
"I don't mind admitting that my mind went to some dark places, reflecting on my own mortality."
The Duchess credited her family's support and her use of meditation and mindfulness for helping her maintain a positive outlook through this challenging period.
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