King Charles has invited Prince Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson to her first royal Christmas in 30 years as a sign of forgiveness, according to an expert.
The Duchess of York was banished by the late Prince Philip after scandalous photos showed her apparently having her toes sucked by "financial adviser" John Bryan.
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 was separated from the Duke at the time.
As a result, she was 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.
