Sarah Ferguson pays tribute to ‘selfless and incredible’ Queen as world mourns death of Her Majesty
SARAH Ferguson has described the Queen as the “most incredible mother-in-law and friend” following her death at the age of 96.
Her Majesty Elizabeth II died “peacefully” on Wednesday at Balmoral after a stellar 70-year reign – leaving the world in mourning.
The Duchess of York – who was married to the Queen’s youngest son Andrew for a decade – has praised the monarch as “selfless” in an emotional tribute.
She praised the Queen for her “generosity” even after she and the Duke parted ways in 1996.
Sarah – often nicknamed Fergie – said: “I am heartbroken by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.
“She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy: the most fantastic example of duty and service and steadfastness, and a constant steadying presence as our head of state for more than 70 years.
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“She has given her whole life selflessly to the people of the UK & the Commonwealth.
“To me, she was the most incredible mother-in-law and friend.
“I will always be grateful to her for the generosity she showed me in remaining close to me even after my divorce.
“I will miss her more than words can express.”
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Although Sarah and Andrew split in 1996, they have remained very close in due part to their children Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
Buckingham Palace announced the Queen’s passing in a statement tonight.
It read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Charles, who will now be known as King Charles III, gave a sombre statement as he led the nation in mourning tonight.
The new King said: “The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.
The Queen’s passing comes as…
- Liz Truss hailed the Queen as ‘the rock on which modern Britain was built’
- King Charles told of his ‘greatest’ sadness as he paid tribute to his mother
- The Queen went from a shy daddy’s girl to a hero who dedicated her life to the country
- The Union flag flew at half mast as the devastating news was announced
- Prince Charles has now become King Charles III
- Prince Harry was pictured holding his head as he travelled to Balmoral to be with his family
Crowds have gathered at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Balmoral to pay tribute to the Queen
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.”
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have released a heartfelt tribute to the late Queen.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex changed their Archewell website to just a single black page, writing: “In loving memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 1926-2022.”
The Royal Family’s social media profile changed to the United Kingdom’s royal coat of arms.
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s account Kensington Royal changed its image to their royal coat of arms.
It had been an official portrait of the smiling couple.
And Clarence House replaced an official image of King Charles and Camilla with its crest, the Prince of Wales’ feathers.