Sarah Ferguson has shared a statement as she missed out on the VE Day Thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey.
The 65-year-old was absent as the Royal Family gathered to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.
The King and Queen and The Prince and Princess of Wales led proceedings as flowers were laid at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal and Sir Tim Laurence, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and The Duke of Kent were also in attendance for the Thursday afternoon service.
Sarah Ferguson has released a statement after missing the Royal Family's VE Day Remembrance Service.
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Taking to Instagram, the Duchess of York paid tribute to the monumental event.
“Today, on the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we pause to remember the extraordinary courage, sacrifice and spirit of those who fought for our freedom,” she began.
“We all owe them a debt that can never truly be repaid, but we honour their memory by living with kindness, resilience and hope. Lest we forget,” the statement continued.
Alongside the post, Fergie shared a historical image of the Cenotaph draped in a British flag during a remembrance ceremony.
Fergie posted sombre pictures along with her statement.
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She also shared a sombre black and white image of herself, appearing in deep reflection.
At Westminster Abbey on Thursday, The Royal Family joined the congregation for a two-minute silence of remembrance observed across the country.
The family met veterans present at the ceremony before King Charles and the Prince of Wales laid flowers at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
As they departed, Queen Camilla led royals and dignitaries in laying flowers at the Innocent Victims’ Memorial, outside the Abbey’s West Door.
The Royal Family attended the service at Westminster Abbey.
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The Duke of York has previously warned about the risks of social media
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The Duchess of York’s social media statement comes as she raised concerns about the posed by such platforms to children in a new article.posed by such platforms to children in a new article.
"I am increasingly concerned about what the next generation face in terms of commentary on social media," wrote Fergie.
She continued that public figures were not uniquely victim to online abuse, adding that: "anyone - including young children - who can become the brunt of cyberbullying and trolling."
The 65-year-old welcomed the advantages of social media but admitted it can also become a "nightmare" for many.
In her article, Fergie urged parents to: "teach our children that there's a dark side to the internet and very often people aren't kind to each other there."
Admitting she had previously been touched by the dark side of social media herself, Fergie conceded she used to "spend time and energy trying to please everybody."
