Fergie shares a rare picture of Prince Andrew for his birthday

Sarah Ferguson has paid tribute to ex-husband Prince Andrew for his 59th birthday with some never-before-seen photos.

The Duchess of York took to her Instagram to share two photos of the royal, one believed to be taken from the grounds of their private estate, the other shot the day Andrew was made Colonel of the Grenadier Guard.

"Happy Birthday Andrew @hrhthedukeofyork," she wrote in the caption.

The former couple's youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie, also posted a series of snaps dedicated to her dad, including photos of him as a child and one taken on her wedding day.

"Happy Birthday to you Papa… we are so proud of you in everything you have achieved in your 59 years!! @hrhthedukeofyork #birthday #happybirthday #father."

The birthday tribute comes shortly after Fergie revealed her close relationship with Andrew, during an interview on Good Morning Britain. The Duchess opened up about her good relationship with her ex-husband, as well as her parenting style and how she has made a point to never hide anything from her daughters.

"The way I have been a mother to my girls, is I never hide anything from them,” Fergie said on the program. “So, the fears, we address them straight on. Beatrice is 30 and Eugenie is 28 they are young women now and they have their own voice."

"I believe in example by leadership.

"The way we have always managed to be very, very solidified as a team together, of course with the Duke of York, who is a great father is family unity [and] talking about any issue."