Sarah ‘Fergie’ Ferguson’s subtle public message after surprise return to royal Christmas outing

Shortly after making an unexpected royal comeback, Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson has shared a public message – with a very subtle reference.

Sarah Ferguson has shared a message about gratitude after her surprise royal return at Christmas.

Sarah Ferguson has shared a public message after spending her first Christmas Day church service appearance with the royal family in more than 30 years.

The Duchess of York, 64, surprised onlookers as she joined Prince Andrew, their daughters Princess Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, 33, and other relatives including King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton for the annual Christmas service walk to St Mary Magdelene Church.

Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York arrived together for the royal family's traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church. Picture: Adrian Dennis/AFP

Kate, William and their three kids also took part. Picture: Samir Hussein/WireImage

Ferguson – or as she’s more commonly known, “Fergie” – hasn’t been seen there since her split from Prince Andrew in 1992, which was around the same time as her infamous “toe-sucking” picture scandal involving a US financier.

Shortly after her Sandringham appearance, Ferguson took to Instagram to post a picture of herself, Beatrice and Eugenie, with a caption about feeling “grateful” in what appeared to be a subtle nod to her royal inclusion.

“We are enjoying each other’s company and feeling grateful today. I hope everyone has a wonderful day,” she said.

“Happy Christmas to anyone who celebrates and season’s greetings to all!”

Fergie shared a sweet photo with her daughters. Picture: Instagram

While they officially divorced in 1996, Ferguson and Andrew have remained close friends and still live together in separate wings at the sprawling Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate.

Despite her enduring relationship with the Duke of York, for decades Ferguson has been left on the outskirts of the royal family’s activities.

Even though the late Queen Elizabeth was reportedly very fond of Ferguson, she wouldn’t break protocol to allow her to join them for the festive outing after the breakdown of the Yorks’ marriage.

Andrew himself was forced to step back from the public appearance after his spectacular fall from grace in late 2019, following a trainwreck BBC interview about his links with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. However, he was once again welcomed back to the Sandringham Christmas last year following his brother’s ascension to the throne.

The inclusion of Fergie and Andrew follows Charles’ ascension to the throne. Picture: Adrian Dennis/AFP

Meanwhile, it’s been reported that Ferguson’s renewed inclusion is the result of Camilla’s influence, as the new Queen is understood to be impressed by her enduring loyalty to the family.

The unexpected invitation follows claims earlier this month that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had also been hoping to spend the special occasion with the royal family – despite being largely estranged from most of them.

A friend of the US-based couple told the UK’s Sunday Times in early December that after a “friendly” call between the couple and King Charles in honour of his 75th birthday in November, they would “love to” join him for Christmas Day.

At the time, it was claimed they hadn’t “been invited” – a status which evidently didn’t change ahead of December 25.

If it had, it would have been the King’s first Christmas with his grandchildren, Prince Archie, 4, and Princess Lilibet, 2.

Meanwhile, despite visiting Britain several times this year, Harry has not seen his father since their brief encounter during the coronation in early May – and they have not spoken face-to-face since the late Queen’s funeral last September.