King Charles wears a gray suit and looks pensive and Sarah Ferguson has red hair and wears a white and black jacket

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Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson won’t be traveling to Sandringham to spend Christmas with the Royal Family. And according to one royal expert, King Charles is likely feeling quite sad that the Duchess of York won’t be in attendance.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond discussed Ferguson’s decision to withdraw from visiting Sandringham for Christmas in an interview with OK! (via GB News). “This will be a blow for Fergie,” she explained. “She was so effusive last Christmas and was clearly delighted to be included in the family festivities after so many years in exile.”

However, Ferguson has continually made it clear that she will stand by Prince Andrew, no matter what. So if the Duke of York is required to take a step back from official royal events, it seems that Ferguson will continue do the same. “But her loyalty has always been to Andrew and she will stick by his side… wherever they spend the day,” Bond explained.

It’s been reported that the Duke and Duchess of York are planning to spend Christmas at their home, Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Prince Andrew walking with Sarah Ferguson, Princess Beatrice, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Sarah Chatto and family on a gravel path to church surrounded by crowds of people watching

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson won’t spend Christmas at Sandringham in 2024.

(Image credit: Getty Images)
Bond also noted that the monarch is likely to be sad that Ferguson can’t attend his Christmas party at Sandringham. “I think The King has a soft spot for Fergie, especially after their shared cancer experience,” the royal correspondent explained. “She always brings a spot of fun to proceedings.” Bond continued, “So he will probably be a little sad that she will now stay away from Sandringham, to stand shoulder to shoulder with her ex.”

Sarah Ferguson wears a blue dress with a black hat, and stands next to ex-husband Prince Andrew, and daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

“I think The King has a soft spot for Fergie,” Jennie Bond told the outlet.

(Image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Royal editor Rebecca English recently appeared on Mail+’s “Palace Confidential,” where she sang Ferguson’s praises, particularly following Andrew’s scandals. “Sarah, the Duchess of York has literally saved Christmas for the Royal Family,” English said. “If it hadn’t have been for his ex-wife having a quiet word in his ear,” then the holiday season could have been pretty disastrous.”