‘Can’t have it both ways’: Sarah Ferguson takes swipe at Harry and Meghan

The Duchess of York has taken aim at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the bluntest remarks a royal has made about the couple yet.

The Duchess of York has taken a swipe at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, saying royal family members “can’t have it both ways” if they choose to leave.

Sarah Ferguson, who is divorced from Prince Andrew but lives with him at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, said royals who leave The Firm must decide whether they are “in or out”.

However, while she didn’t name Prince Harry or Ms Markle explicitly, the Duchess said royals who choose to leave the fold “can’t sit on the fence”.

The Duchess of York left the royal family after divorcing Prince Andrew. Picture: Getty Images

The Duchess made the comments while reflecting on her own decision to leave the royal family following her separation from the Duke of York in 1992 and subsequent divorce four years later.

“Well, you can’t have it both ways. You can’t sit on the fence and keep one foot in and one foot out. You’re either in or out,” she told the Independent.

“But then don’t cry about not being invited to weddings. You chose to leave, now go and live it – and be it.”

The 63-year-old made the comments while reflecting on her own decision to leave the royal family following her separation from the Duke of York in 1992 and subsequent divorce four years later.

On Wednesday, the Duchess appeared on British television show Loose Women to promote her new romance novel, A Most Intriguing Lady.

Duchess Sarah Ferguson has launched a new romance novel. Picture: Henley Literary Festival

During the chat, she said she didn’t even expect an invitation to King Charles’ coronation because “you can’t have it both ways”.

However, she was invited to the Queen’s funeral as she maintained a good relationship with Her Majesty after her divorce from Prince Andrew.

Her comments come amid growing tensions between the royal family and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex over the past few months.

Sarah Ferguson expected to be invited to the Queen’s funeral but not to the King’s coronation. Picture: Getty Images

Like the Duchess, Harry and Meghan dropped their HRH titles after they stepped back from royal duties and no longer receive public funds.

However, in the past three years since the Sussexes left the royal family, they have released a number of revelations – including accusing the royals of racism and of “leaking” and “planting” negative stories about Meghan in the press.

Meanwhile, it’s still unknown if Prince Harry and Ms Markle will be attending King Charles III and the Queen Consort’s coronation.

The couple have previously indicated that they have received “email correspondence” over the ceremony on 6 May, but have yet to disclose their decision about whether or not to attend.

HOW ROYALS WILL CELEBRATE FIRST EASTER WITHOUT THE QUEEN

The royal family will spend their first Easter without the Queen after their beloved matriarch died last September at the age of 96.

The Queen reportedly loved Easter and kept celebrations strictly to a traditional family affair, with the royals converging on Windsor Castle for the weekend where they will also likely attend a church service on Easter Sunday at St George’s Chapel.

The royal family will celebrate their first Easter without the Queen. Picture: AFP

Although many may assume it will be a difficult period for the family, royal expert Ingrid Seward told The Sun that it will more likely be a joyous occasion, full of happy memories for the royal family.

Ms Seward said that members of the royal family will likely carry out “some special prayers in the private chapel within the castle just for the family and immediate household”.

Ms Seward also believes there will be a mention of both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh during the Easter service.

King Charles will take over Easter hosting duties from his late mother. Picture: Getty Images

Ms Seward believes that all senior members of the royal family will attend this year, including King Charles, Camilla, Prince William and Catherine, and their three children.

She also said that other members such as Princess Anne, Timothy Laurence and Zara and Mike Tindall and their children will attend as will Peter Phillips and his kids.

Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie (a favourite of the Queen’s), will be at Easter celebrations. Picture: Getty Images

The newly anointed Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh – Prince Edward and Sophie – and their children will also be a part of festivities as will Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie with their husbands and children; Lord Snowdon and his children; and the Queen’s niece Lady Sarah Chatto and her children.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will likely not make the guest list a royal expert has claimed. Picture: Getty Images

Ms Seward expects scandal-plagued Prince Andrew to attend but isn’t too sure one of his closest relations would be welcomed.

She explains: “I am certain Andrew will be there with his daughters and their husbands. This is King Charles’ first Easter and although he won’t be there for more than a few days it is important he keeps up the tradition of the Easter Court.

Princess Anne with husband Sir Timothy Laurence will attend. Picture: Getty Images

Princess Beatrice, Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Lady Louise Windsor, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward will attend Easter celebrations. Picture: Getty Images

“It is an opportunity for the whole family to get together before the coronation and no one is going to refuse an invitation from the King whatever they are doing.

“I am not sure about Fergie but it would be nice if she were invited as she of course has the Queen’s corgis.”

Sarah Ferguson (with Prince Andrew) could score an invitation as she has been welcomed back into the royal fold in recent years. Picture: Getty Images

But Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and their two children are certain not to be invited after years of rancour between the Duke of Sussex and his father and brother.

Tellingly, Camilla’s children, Tom Parker-Bowles and Laura Lopes, and their children may be invited to attend the festivities.

Camilla’s children, Tom and Laura (top far right) will likely receive an invitation to the royal family’s Easter celebrations. Picture: AFP

“This is King Charles’ first Easter and although he won’t be there for more than a few days, it is important he keeps up the tradition of the Easter Court,” Ms Seward said.

“It is an opportunity for the whole family to get together before the coronation and no one is going to refuse an invitation from the King whatever they are doing.”

Previous years have seen several of the Royal Palaces hosting egg hunts and egg painting workshops for Easter.

Ms Seward predicted the Princess of Wales would take up the mantle to organise an Easter egg hunt over the weekend, due to her skills as a “great organiser”.

“They can also go to the royal mews and see the horses there and there is an indoor pool for swimming and ponies for them to ride,” she said.

– with The Sun

Originally published as ‘Can’t have it both ways’: Sarah Ferguson takes swipe at Harry and Meghan