Sarah Ferguson discusses the importance of Christmas

Queen Elizabeth was very protective of Prince Andrew and had a soft spot for Sarah Ferguson – because she brought stability into his life, according to royal biographer Andrew Lownie.

Speaking to Daily Express US, Mr Lownie said Her late Majesty was “really grateful” to have Fergie in the fold.

Andrew and Fergie started dating in 1985, married in 1986, legally separated in 1992 and were divorced by 1996.

And while the late Queen may have been appreciative of Sarah’s role in her son’s life, she did see their divorce as necessary.

Following the divorce, Fergie stopped going to family events like Christmas at Sandringham House – though Queen Elizabeth appreciated her important role in raising Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Last year, she was invited back after a 25-year absence.

Mr Lownie explained: “I think the Queen was very protective of Andrew, who I think, is the least settled of her children, and the fact that Fergie provided some of that stability, I think she was really grateful for.

Sarah and Andrew remain close friends (Image: Getty)

“She’s very much back in the fold, at Christmas, she stayed at the big house, she went to church with them.”

He also discussed how Fergie knows all the ins and outs of the royal world.

“Fergie knows a lot of the family secrets, so the best thing to do is keep her on side, and also, she’s a very determined person, and if she wants to achieve something, she achieves it, and she was very keen to get back within the fold,” he added.