Sarah Ferguson took to social media to pay tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II on what would have been her 97th birthday – but fans were quick to point out an error in her post

Royal Family watchers have rushed to point out an embarrassing error in Sarah Ferguson’s sentimental birthday tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II posted on Instagram.

Known to have been close to Her Majesty, the Duchess of York marked what would have been the Queen’s “97th” birthday by sharing an endearing snapshot of the late Queen with an affectionate note.

Sarah penned: “Today we are remembering Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on what would have been her 97th birthday. Thank you for all that you have taught us, for being a steadfast leader and dear friend. You are sorely missed.”

However, sharp-eyed admirers picked up on a slip-up, being quick to note that Sarah was completely wrong about the late Queen’s age. Queen Elizabeth II would, in fact, have turned 98 if she were still alive today. Queen Elizabeth II, born on April 21, 1926, sadly passed away on September 8, 2022, leaving behind a grieving world.

Sarah Ferguson is seen with the Queen and Prince Andrew many years ago (Image: Tim Graham/Getty Images)

Sarah’s Instagram followers wasted no time in taking to the comments section of her post to highlight the mistake. One user commented: “Eh, 98 would have been,” while another declared: “Your Highness it would have been her 98th birthday day.” Another follower chimed in with: “1926 to 2024 should be 98.”

However, it appears that at the time of reporting, Sarah’s post remains unchanged, still suggesting that the Queen would have been 97 today.

Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York and former wife of Prince Andrew, has had a tumultuous relationship with the Royal Family since their split in 1992. Despite their divorce being finalised in 1996, Sarah and Andrew have remained close, co-parenting their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, and even sharing a home at the Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Sarah was married to Queen Elizabeth’s second son, Prince Andrew, from 1986 to 1996 (Image: Getty Images)

After Queen Elizabeth II passed away in 2022, the ex-couple took on the responsibility of caring for her cherished Corgis, Sandy and Muick. In an intriguing twist, Sarah told People magazine that she believes the dogs sometimes see the late monarch’s spirit: “They are national icons, so every time they run chasing a squirrel, I panic. But they’re total joys, and I always think that when they bark at nothing, and there’s no squirrels in sight, I believe it’s because the Queen is passing by.”

Fergie, as she’s affectionately known, humorously noted: “They’re with me a lot, and they think I’m very funny.”

The Duchess has faced health challenges recently, including a battle with breast cancer and a skin cancer scare. Fortunately, in March 2023, she received uplifting news that her skin cancer had not spread since the initial diagnosis in January, giving her the “best news” amidst a difficult period.