Among the mourners pictured arriving at Westminster Abbey for the Queen's state funeral was Sarah Ferguson. She joined heads of state, politicians and other members of the royal family for the funeral service.
Sarah Ferguson married the Queen’s second eldest son Prince Andrew in 1986 but the couple, then titled the Duke and Duchess of York, split up in 1992 although they have remained friends. It was a year the Queen called her “Annus Horribilis” as it also saw the break-up of the Prince and Princess of Wales’s marriage and a serious fire at Windsor Castle.
Last week, Sarah said the Queen was “the most incredible mother-in-law and friend” to her and she would miss her “more than words can express”. In her tribute, she remembered the “generosity” the Queen had shown her following the end of her marriage.
Read more: The seating plan for the Queen's funeral at Westminster Abbey
“I am heartbroken by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen,” she tweeted. “She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy: the most fantastic example of duty and service and steadfastness, and a constant steadying presence as our head of state for more than 70 years.
“She has given her whole life selflessly to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth. To me, she was the most incredible mother-in-law and friend. I will always be grateful to her for the generosity she showed me in remaining close to me even after my divorce.”
Sarah and Andrew’s two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, are among the Queen’s eight grandchildren. Both during and after her marriage, Sarah has been involved with several charities as a patron and spokesperson.
Her charity work primarily revolves around helping cancer patients and children. She has been the patron of Teenage Cancer Trust since 1990 and has founded Children in Crisis.
In the years after her divorce, Sarah was the subject of several scandals, but she has appeared in various royal events in recent years. She has authored several books for children and adults and has worked as a TV personality and film producer.
Read more
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- The seating plan for the Queen's funeral at Westminster Abbey
- The last picture of the queen taken two days before her death
