Fergie Once Revealed Who She Relied on During Andrew Turmoil — and It’s Not Who You’d Expect

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson attend day 4 of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Jan. 02 2026, Published 09:55 AM. ET

During her hard times with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Sarah Ferguson relied on one steady presence for guidance and reassurance. It was none other than Queen Elizabeth. Despite their divorce in 1996, Ferguson remained on good terms with her ex-husband. During moments of crisis, she relied heavily on the late monarch as both a confidante and an emotional anchor.

Image Source: Getty Images | Photo By Georges De Keerle — Sarah Ferguson and the late Queen Elizabeth II in London. (Image Source: Getty Images | Georges De Keerle)

Ferguson showcased her loyalty in March 2023 when she spoke to The Telegraph about her resolute support for Mountbatten-Windsor despite their divorce. Stressing that she would always stay by his side, she reflected warmly on her bond with the late Queen, her mother-in-law. Appreciating the monarch’s temperament, she said the latter had the knack to “listen and never judge.” Ferguson elaborated, “She [The Queen] was able to completely and utterly dilute chaos. And still carry on. And still smile. And still go through everything that she went through.”

The former Duchess claimed that the Queen “understood all of it. Everything,” insisting it was “not even about forgiving, but a way of life. Duty, sense of purpose, but of course never judgment.” For Ferguson, her mother-in-law’s empathy strengthened her relationship with Mountbatten-Windsor, making co-parenting easier even as her marriage ended.

Sarah Ferguson and Andrew Mountbatten Windsor arrive for the Requiem Mass service for Katharine, Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral on September 16, 2025 in London, England. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Jordan Pettitt ) — Sarah Ferguson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrive for the Requiem Mass service for Katharine, Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral on September 16, 2025, in London. (Image Source: Getty Images | Jordan Pettitt )

Their bond only intensified after what Ferguson believed was a ‘tumultuous time.’ She was referring to the phase when Mountbatten-Windsor faced backlash over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. Ferguson said, “I think [Her Majesty] was very relieved I could help her with him, so we became even closer, then. But I’ve always admired and adored her. Really, she was more of a mother to me than my mother.” She added that before the Queen passed in September 2022, she knew Fergie would “always be there” for her son. She said, “Always. Because I love her.” Looking back, the 66-year-old added, “When Andrew went through a hard time, I used to be able to throw it to The Boss.”

The late Queen Elizabeth with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. (Image Source: Getty Images | Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images) — The late Queen Elizabeth with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. (Image Source: Getty Images | Tim Graham Photo Library)

During a podcast appearance in 2021 on Tea With Tiggy, Fergie had also said, “I think to myself that honestly, my mother-in-law has been more of a mother to me than my mother.” For her, there was “no greater mentor” than the Queen, and she consistently remained so through her youth into adulthood. In her interview with The Times, she also addressed her struggles with food and how the Queen’s final piece of advice to her was transformative. “Sarah, remember that yourself is good enough,” the monarch had said. Ferguson shared, “It makes me cry,” crediting the Queen as the person who helped her reclaim her self-worth.