SARAH Ferguson joined the royal family at church on Christmas Day for the first time in 32 years – in a sign of seasonal goodwill from King Charles.
The Duchess of York walked with ex-husband Prince Andrew at the traditional service at Sandringham.
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Sarah Ferguson waves to the crowd as she walks to church on Christmas Day with Prince Andrew Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun
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Lena Tindall, Zara Tindall and Sarah Credit: Getty
Fergie and Andrew waved and joked with fans on the ‘sensational’ walk back.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children George, ten, Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Louis also greeted well-wishers in Norfolk.
But there was no sign of Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet, who are believed to be in California for the holiday season.
Fergie has been kicked out of a meeting since her 1992 toe-sucking scandal with US financier John Bryan, months after her split from Andrew.
She published her ex on the Internet: “We enjoy each other’s company and feel grateful. I hope you all have a wonderful day. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate and annual greetings to all!”
Royal pundit Phil Dampier hailed her return as a “sensational development”.
He said: “Although the late Queen loved Sarah very much, she would never have allowed her to be given that status after her divorce from Andrew.
“It shows that King Charles has a big heart by allowing Andrew to play a leading role, as well as bringing in his ex-wife.”
Andy and Fergie divorced in 1996 but still live in separate wings of Royal Lodge Windsor.
Andrew appeared relaxed despite the prospect of a New Year’s scrutiny over his links to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Duke raised his hands as he cracked jokes with fans.
Fergie collected flowers and was the last royal to return to Sandringham.
She also spoke with Sun photographer Arthur Edwards, who has been photographing her since 1985.
Arthur said: “It was lovely to see her back with the Royal Family. She came up to me and hugged me.”
About 1,000 fans waited to catch a glimpse of the family.
The King and Queen — in a blue silk paisley dress and camel cashmere coat by Anna Valentine, berets by Philip Treacy and Queen
Elizabeth’s raspberry stone brooch — led the royal family from Sandringham to an hour-long service at St Mary Magdalene Church.
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Prince William, Princess Kate and their children on their way to church Credit: Getty
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Fergie also spoke to Sun photographer Arthur Edwards, who has photographed her since 1985. Credit: ©Stephen Daniels
Fergie spoke to the Reverend Canon Paul Williams as her daughters Beatrice, 35, and Eugenie, 33, made their entrance.
After the service, a smiling Louis walked hand-in-hand with Mike and Zara’s daughter Mia Tindall, nine.
Louis, George and Charlotte were given wooden money boxes by a fan as Kate said: “Oh that’s cool isn’t it?”
Kate wore an Alexander McQueen jacket and twin sapphire earrings that Princess Diana owned.
Barbara Locke, 80, from Sleaford, Lincs, and a Christmas visitor to Sandringham for more than 30 years, said of Fergie’s reappearance: “She’s a nice girl, she fits in and she’s genuine. I love seeing her with the royal family again.”
Rachel Bylo (85) traveled from St Albans in Herts to wish Fergie a Merry Christmas. She said: “It’s lovely to have her here with her girls – Eugenie and Beatrice are lovely.”
The crowd was delighted by the appearance of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh – Edward and Sophie – and Princess Anne and Tim Laurence.
It was the second year in a row that Andrew walked from Sandringham to church.
His alleged ties to Epstein will come under scrutiny following the release of hundreds of defamation files following a US judge’s ruling.
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Charles and Camilla led the royal familyCredit: i-Images
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Prince Harry, Princess Diana, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson walking to church in 1991 Credit: Rex
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