Royal Family Announces Guest List for Duke of Edinburgh’s Farewell Service, Sarah Ferguson Not Included

The Royal Family has released a list of 30 individuals who will be attending the Duke of Edinburgh's Farewell Service on April 17th.

While many expected names are present, one notable absence is Sarah Ferguson, also known as Fergie, the Duchess of York.

Among the attendees are the Queen, Prince Philip's four children, and eight grandchildren, including Sarah's ex-husband Prince Andrew, their daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, as well as their spouses.

Unfortunately, Sarah will have to watch the proceedings from home, despite her support for the Queen during this difficult time.

Despite living with Prince Andrew for the past 13 years, Sarah did not receive an invitation to the funeral.

Although some may have assumed she would be included due to her close friendship with Prince Andrew and her role as a mother to Beatrice and Eugenie, it is believed that the reason for her exclusion is the current Covid-19 restrictions.

Only 30 select family members are allowed to attend the funeral according to the guidelines in place.

Buckingham Palace has acknowledged the difficult decisions the Queen had to make when finalizing the guest list.

A spokesman stated that the funeral remains a family event and that the Covid-19 guidelines were followed.

The Queen wanted to ensure that all branches of the Duke's family were represented, which led to some challenging choices.

Those unable to attend will likely make their own private arrangements to commemorate and celebrate the Duke.

There are differing opinions regarding Sarah's absence from the guest list.

Some speculate that her reportedly strained relationship with Prince Philip following her separation from Prince Andrew in 1992 and subsequent divorce in 1996 may have played a role.

Philip allegedly viewed Sarah as odd and pointless and even requested her to leave Balmoral, the royal estate in Scotland, before his arrival.

Notably, Sarah was not present at Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding in 2011 but did receive an invitation to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's nuptials in 2018.

However, had the Queen been able to invite more than 30 guests, it is believed that Sarah would have been included.

There is evidence of a good relationship between the Queen and her ex-daughter-in-law, as Sarah has been by the Queen's side this week as she mourns the loss of Prince Philip.

Reports indicate that Sarah and Prince Andrew have been driving from the Royal Lodge to Windsor Castle, sometimes twice a day, to accompany the Queen on walks with her corgis.

Sarah has previously joined Prince Andrew in Balmoral for the Queen's traditional summer break and has attended events such as Royal Ascot with Her Majesty.

She was also present at Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston's wedding in 2019, alongside the Queen and Prince Philip.

Notably, Sarah and Prince Philip were photographed together for the first time in 26 years at Princess Eugenie's wedding to Jack Brooksbank in 2018.

In her autobiography, “My Story,” Sarah revealed her close bond with the Queen, even referring to her as “Mama” in private.

She described feeling favored and blessed when the Queen invited her to sit next to her in the car or at church.

Despite the Queen's request for Sarah and Andrew to reconsider their separation in 1992, they ultimately went forward with their decision.

As the Duke of Edinburgh's Farewell Service approaches, the absence of Sarah Ferguson from the guest list has sparked interest and speculation.

While Covid-19 restrictions may be the primary reason for her exclusion, her complex relationship with Prince Philip over the years adds another layer to the story.

Regardless, Sarah continues to support the Queen during this time of mourning, reflecting the enduring bond they share.