Planning their first family Christmas without matriarch Queen Elizabeth II, the eyes of the world were always going to be on the royals this festive season.
And so it came to be as King Charles hit the headline this week as he invited Prince Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson to her first royal Christmas in 30 years. And now one royal watcher believes he knows the reason why.
The Mirror reports how the Duchess of York was banished by the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, after scandalous photos emerged apparently having her toes sucked by "financial adviser" John Bryan.
READ MORE - Savvy shopper shares what the red Christmas light is actually meant for
Known affectionately as Fergie, the 63-year-old mum of princesses Beatrice and Eugenie was staying at the Queen's adored Balmoral estate when the snaps leaked in August 1992 - though she was already separated from the Duke at the time.
She was subsequently booted out of the Firm and despite continuing to live at Royal Lodge with her ex-husband - even though they divorced in 1996 - has remained on the periphery ever since.
The new monarch has, however, taken a bold step in bringing Fergie back into the fold by inviting her for Christmas dinner at Sandringham. If she accepts, it will be her first time at the festive table since the scandal.
Author Robert Jobson - who has known Fergie for all that time - said despite her detractors, "it is indisputable" that she has stood by Andrew throughout his turmoil.
The Queen's second son, 62, was forced to step down as a working royal due to his relationship with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and a resultant sexual abuse lawsuit involving trafficking victim Virginia Giuffre.
Writing in The Sun, Mr Jobson said the King is "showing us all what Christmas is all about - family and forgiveness".
"King Charles is a man of faith," he continued. "He has his own Orthodox chapel in the garden at Highgrove.
"In forgiving Fergie he is following his mother’s example, because the Queen, before her passing in September, had made up with Sarah, her former daughter-in-law.
"Fergie always regretted the manner in which she was kicked out of The Firm, and confessed that if she was given a second chance she would behave herself better," he added.
Mr Jobson said "it is not a total surprise" that Charles would try to find a way for Fergie to return to the fold because they used to be close friends.
Charles and Princess Diana would go on skiing trips with Andrew and Fergie, with the now monarch and his sister-in-law bonding over their "top class" skills in the sport.
Mr Jobson said King Charles had "no interest" in "continuing old feuds" and "would love to be able to end the friction" with son Prince Harry and daughter-in-law Meghan.
READ MORE:
Man rushed to Edinburgh hospital with serious injuries after being struck by car
Edinburgh temperatures set to plummet below freezing next week
East Lothian man went on the run after police raided his home and found images
Edinburgh OAP can't wash clothes and given £2.5K bill after signing up to government scheme
John Lewis turned oven into 'air fryer' for £10 with game changer alternative
