They recently went to great lengths to deny they’ve rekindled their relationship, but for those close to Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, their blossoming romance is the palace’s worst-kept secret.
Last week, amid bookies slashing odds on a royal re-engagement, a rep for Andrew insisted, “The Duke and Duchess of York continue to be good friends and nothing has changed.”
But royal watchers were not convinced, especially when Fergie joined her 59-year-old ex-husband on their first joint official trip in 25 years to Bahrain as guests of the Crown Prince.
Now palace insiders confirm to Woman’s Day a royal romance really is blossoming once more.
“They stayed at the Ritz-Carlton and word was that only one suite was necessary,” reveals our royal tipster.
WATCH: Flashback to Sarah and Andrew’s 1986 wedding day. Post continues after the video…
“It’s not a surprise, given that they’ve pretty much lived together at the Lodge for quite some time now. Over the years, Andrew and Fergie have grown to realise they are birds of a feather and can’t live without each other.”
Another royal insider adds, “Fergie was in Spain a few weeks back – it’s a place she loves and everyone thinks Andy flew over and surprised her with a proposal there.”
Fergie and Andrew have always shared a very close bond. (Image: Rex/Shutterstock)
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson legally separated in 1992 and officially split in 1996 – with Fergie glumly observing five years later, “I didn’t want a divorce, but I had to because of circumstance.”
The pair enjoyed perhaps the most amicable divorce in royal history, and peacefully co-parented their daughters Princess Beatrice, 30, and Princess Eugenie, 29.
It’s believed Andrew popped the question with a stunning emerald sparkler. (Image: Getty)
Fergie appeared to confirm that they were back together in an interview late last year, declaring: “I think the love I had for him then is the love I still have for him now. I still married the best and he’s the greatest gentleman I’ve ever known.”
It’s also widely believed Andrew subtly manoeuvred his ex-wife back into the fold last year, placing her front and centre at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle for Eugenie’s wedding.
She looked thrilled to be back among the senior royals.
Fergie and Andrew on their 1986 wedding day. (Image: Getty)
“If Andrew and Fergie got married again, it would be very welcomed by at least the palace staff,” says an insider.
“She’s always been a breath of fresh air around here, even if the likes of Prince Charles and Prince William turn their noses up when she’s at family events.”
It’s believed the Queen’s approval for a re-marriage may be what’s preventing them from making the news official.
“The Queen is softening and more relaxed in her old age,” our royal insider explains.
“Of course Andrew would be nervous about telling her about he and Fergie, especially after all that happened between them. But the Queen loves her son. Everyone thinks she’d be happy if he was.”
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