Prince Andrew feels ‘lonely’ without his parents – who both died within 17 months of each other – Sarah Ferguson revealed on her podcast.
The Duchess of York, 63, has opened up about her ex-husband’s grief, admitting that the pair – who are still on great terms and, despite their divorce, live together on the Windsor estate – have recently reflected on the loss together.
Speaking on her Tea Talk podcast, which she hosts with friend Sarah Thomson, the mother-of-two explained that the pair shared a candid discussion about their feelings during a poignant walk with the late Queen’s corgis.
‘It was really wonderful to have a moment to really remember because this time last year the Queen was going to Balmoral and we’d walk exactly where we walked together yesterday, and then the Queen would say ‘see you. Scotland’,’ she said.
‘It was actually very moving and at one point we were both, Andrew and I, sitting quietly under some really beautiful trees and I asked him if he was okay without his mum and dad.
Prince Andrew feels ‘lonely’ without his parents – who both died within 17 months of each other – Sarah Ferguson revealed in a podcast. Both are pictured in 2019
‘She said… it’s lonely, you know. He thinks about it a lot… it’s kind of like, people process grief in their own way, and it’s not just him… he’s human like everyone else.’
The Duchess also agreed with her co-host, who suggested that Andrew’s struggles may have been exacerbated by the fact that he lost both parents in such a short period of time.
Prince Philip was 99 when he died in April 2021 – and just over a year later, his wife died aged 96 in September 2022.
‘I think that’s the hard part,’ he added. ‘His grief must be greater than a vast gap.’
Sarah added that she found grief ‘interesting’ because of how turbulent it is.
‘It comes up in tidal waves,’ he explained. ‘Then it goes away again, and you cry and you’re sad, and then you just carry on and the next day it’s fine, or the next minute.’
In the same podcast, the mother of Princess Beatrice and Eugenie gave an encouraging breast cancer surgery update and revealed how the late Queen’s corgis are playing a role in her recovery.
Last month, the Duchess of York announced that she had been diagnosed with the disease and underwent a successful single mastectomy at London’s King Edward VII Hospital.
The Duchess also agreed with her co-host, who suggested that Andrew’s struggles may have been exacerbated by the fact that he lost both parents in such a short period of time. Pictured at the Coronation in May
Prince Philip was 99 when he died in April 2021 – and just over a year later, his wife died aged 96 in September 2022. Both are pictured in 2006
And in the latest episode, the mother-of-two says she’s ‘slowly working her way back to health’ by following the procedure with the help of her beloved pet.
After the Queen’s death last September, Sarah and Andrew – who already had five Norfolk terriers – welcomed the late King’s corgis Muick and Sandy to their home on the Windsor estate.
Describing the days after her surgery, Sarah said: ‘Having seven dogs, they don’t understand that maybe I’m not as mobile as I used to be.’
‘They’re going, ‘Hello! Come on, it’s all about me!’ Dogs are very needy, aren’t they?”
While Sarah was on bedrest, the Duchess said the corgis would look on expectantly, hoping to take her out for a walk.
He continued: ‘They are used to people coming and taking them for walks.
‘Then they look at me and they’re going,’ and what’s your point? Watching Wimbledon get your feet wet? Oh no mom, you’re out! We have something to do.”
What’s more, the royal went on to explain how she’s been given the green light to start walking her dog more.
He said: ‘I heard today that I have been allowed to walk further so they can be happy with me now.
‘I took the seven dogs yesterday where the Queen used to take them, and so I was talking to them, ‘Now where do we go?’ And they were guiding me.
Sarah Ferguson, 63, announced that she underwent surgery for breast cancer last month. Illustrated in October 2021
Pictured: Sarah Ferguson poses with the Queen’s corgis during a dog walk taken during her 63rd birthday
Her Majesty’s love of corgis was well known, and after she was given a dog on her 18th birthday, she kept the breed throughout her life.
‘And there was a little woodland walk made especially for the Queen and just so special.’
Sharing the update with her 607,000 Instagram followers, Sarah wrote: ‘I’m slowly working my way back to a healthy body after surgery. Corgis and I are so excited to be walking together again!’
Urging her followers to keep an eye on symptoms, she added: ‘I can’t thank my doctors, nurses and medical professionals enough. I encourage anyone to get screened. Don’t wait.’
Last September, the Duchess said it was a ‘huge honour’ to be asked to care for Sandy and Mike, according to the Telegraph.
Speaking at the Henley Literary Festival, Sarah said she is well aware that the two new additions to her family are ‘national treasures’ who have been ‘well trained’.
Since Sarah and Andrew already share five Norfolk terriers, two corgis had to join them.