Prince Andrew's reputation continues a downward spiral amidst incessant scandals, yet he has found an unwavering ally in his former wife, Sarah Ferguson.
Once celebrated for his bravery in the Falklands War, the Duke of York's image was severely damaged following his association with the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
This week sees another blow to his royal standing due to links with an alleged Chinese spy, leading him to step back from the Sandringham Christmas festivities and the Buckingham Palace festive lunch on Thursday, the Mirror reports.
Despite the controversies, Sarah Ferguson stands steadfast beside her ex-husband. Revealing her enduring affection for Andrew, she confided to the Times: "I was totally and utterly in love with Andrew. I would do it all over again, 100 per cent.
"He's the best, a great man with a great heart, and kind. Our wedding was the best day of my life. But I gave up my anonymity that day. I was able to because love conquers all. It's still with us today."
Ferguson remains dedicated to supporting Andrew, stating: "I won't let him down. He supports me as much as I support him. He's supported me through thick and thin, not just marriage or divorce. We agree on the three Cs - communication, compromise, compassion."
Andrew and Sarah have been acquainted since their childhood, but it was only in 1985 that they began dating after being paired together at the Royal Ascot that year. They announced their engagement nine months later on February 19, 1986 - Andrew's 26th birthday - with Andrew gifting his future wife a stunning ruby engagement ring.
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The couple exchanged vows at Westminster Abbey on July 23, 1986, and welcomed their first child, Princess Beatrice, two years later, followed by Princess Eugenie in 1990. However, their relationship wasn't without its challenges.
Andrew's naval career often kept him away from home for extended periods. The couple separated in 1991 and finalised their divorce in 1996.
In a 2010 interview with US TV host Ernie Manouse, Sarah revealed: "My deal was that I was marrying my man, who happened to be a prince and a naval officer. But what I got was not the man, I got the palace and didn't get him... and the courtiers told me I had to go to Buckingham Palace and he had to go to sea. For our marriage, I saw him 40 days a year."
In 2010, Sarah expressed regret over how they handled their relationship, stating: "Both Andrew and I... both of us say now if we could go back we would definitely play it differently and we should have learnt how to play the chess game differently. And maybe we have still been together because we would have said 'no' to being separated just after our wedding."
Sarah told the Daily Mail in 2018 that her family will always stand together, despite previous difficulties. She claims: "We're the happiest divorced couple in the world. We're divorced to each other, not from each other.
"My duty is to him. I am so proud of him. I stand by him and always will. The way we are is our fairytale." The Duchess added: "The Yorks are a united family. We've shown it."
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