'I wish they'd ask me to do more': Duchess of York on her hopes for a bigger royal role
The Duchess of York says she wishes the royal family would ask her "to do more" to represent the monarchy.
Sarah Ferguson spoke about her affection for King Charles III and Queen Camilla, describing the monarch as "kind" and someone who "makes me laugh".
"I love that he still calls me Fergie," she said, adding that she and Camilla were "so close now".
READ MORE: Prince Andrew to miss Christmas Day at Sandringham with the royals
The Duke and Duchess of York attend Easter mass at Windsor Castle in March. Getty
The 65-year-old made the comments to The Times during an interview before her ex-husband Prince Andrew's links to an alleged Chinese spy were made public.
The Duke of York, and the duchess, will no longer spend Christmas Day with the royals at Sandringham following the scandal.
The decision was believed to have been made to avoid the King further embarrassment after the duke was dragged into the headlines this week.
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The then-Prince and Princess of Wales, and Duke and Duchess of York on holidays in Klosters, Switzerland in February 1987. Tim Graham Photo Library via Get
He is expected to attend a private Christmas lunch with the royal family at Buckingham Palace on Thursday but has been advised to avoid the cameras by going in a discreet side door.
The King's relationship with his younger brother has been strained for some time and intensified earlier this year when the monarch cut off his privately-funded allowance.
Prince Andrew no longer receives public money from the taxpayer and holds no official role within the royal family.
The duke remains a member of the Order of the Garter. Peter Nicholls - WPA Pool /Getty
He remains a member of the Order of the Garter, Britain's oldest order of chivalry, but no longer participates in the public Garter Day procession.
While there have been calls for him to be stripped of this honour, in the past membership has been withdrawn only when a member has been found guilty of treason.
And in September 2022, soon after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Andrew's office was moved out of Buckingham Palace.
King Charles cut off Prince Andrew's private allowance earlier this year but has been unable to get him to move out of the Royal Lodge. Getty
But he is so far resisting pressure to move out of the 30-room Royal Lodge for the smaller Frogmore Cottage, on the Windsor estate.
The home, which was previously Prince Harry and Meghan's UK residence, is seen as more fitting for Prince Andrew.
The King offered to continue to pay a generous allowance to both Andrew and Sarah if they moved to Frogmore, The Times reported.
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But the duke refused and said he had the funds required for him to remain at the Royal Lodge, in Windsor Great Park, needed for the property's extensive and ongoing upkeep.
The Duchess of York, who remains on good terms with both the King and Queen, has been touted as a possible informal intermediary between Charles and his brother.
It has been suggested Fergie might help persuade Prince Andrew to move into Frogmore Cottage.
The Duke and Duchess of York attend a memorial for Greece's King Constantine in February. Getty
Speaking to The Times in an interview published on Sunday, the duchess said: "I've known the King all my life and I absolutely adore him".
"He's kind and makes me laugh, and I love that he still calls me Fergie," the duchess said.
"Queen Camilla was close friends with mum, which is why we're so close now. But Diana was my best friend from the age of 14.
The Duchess of York photographed at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September, 2022. Getty
"That's why it's so big that the Queen and I get on now. It's rather nice, and she reminds me of mum.
"I admire the extraordinary support she's giving this country. I want to do as much for the Queen as possible. I wish they'd ask me to do more."
The duchess does not have a formal role within the royal family but in recent years has been included at private events.
Last year, the duchess joined the King and Queen for the morning walk to church at Sandringham. It was the first time in 30 years that she was included in the royal family's celebrations on the Norfolk estate.
In February, she and Prince Andrew lead the royals to church at St George's Chapel for a memorial service for King Constantine II.
And in March, the duchess accompanied Prince Andrew and the royal family to Easter mass at Windsor Castle.
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