Why Sarah Ferguson Won't Attend Prince Philip's Funeral
We are learning more details of Prince Philip's funeral in the days leading up to the somber event, which will take place on Saturday, April 17, 2021 (via USA Today). It's notable that only 30 guests can attend the funeral itself — of course it will also be televised — due to COVID-19 restrictions (via Mirror). Buckingham Palace has released the full guest list, with Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Prince Harry, and Prince William — who will not walk together in the processional — among the obvious attendees. But it may surprise some that Sarah Ferguson is not invited to Prince Phillip's funeral.
Of course Fergie, as she is commonly known per People, was previously married to Prince Andrew, also known as the Duke of York, who is invited to the funeral. He is one of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's four children — his older brother is Prince Charles, his sister is Princess Anne, and the fourth sibling is Prince Edward (via BBC).
All four will be in attendance at the funeral of their father, as will Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew's two daughters, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, along with their husbands, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank (via Today).
Sarah Ferguson is still on hand to help the royal family during this difficult time
Despite the fact that Fergie is not attending Prince Philip's funeral, The Sun reports she is currently supporting her grieving former mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth. A source told the outlet about Fergie and Andrew, "They have been going on short walks around the gardens with the Queen and her corgis. Sarah's very much in the fold now that the Duke of Edinburgh has gone. The Queen has always had a soft spot for Sarah and regards her as an excellent mother."
It's worth noting that according to Sky News, were it not for the pandemic, Prince Philip's funeral would have included 800 guests — and Fergie was likely on that list. But the Duke of Edinburgh wanted a low-key funeral according to Insider, so the tight guest list may have suited him just fine.