The former Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, has always spoken fondly of her close relationship with her mother-in-law, the Queen

hile we will never know what Queen Elizabeth II would make of the recent scandal embroiling her family, when she was alive, the monarch and her daughter-in-law, Sarah Ferguson, had a very special connection.

Looking back at photographs, it’s clear the pair had an exceptionally close bond. “She was more my mother than my own mother, the former Duchess of York, 66, said in 2024, following the Queen’s sad passing two years prior.

© Tim Graham Photo Library via Get
Sarah’s bond was incredibly close even following her divorce from Andrew 1996

“The thing about the Queen was that she was more my mother than my own mother. The Queen was an iconic, legendary, stalwart, steadfast, invisible hand of love behind your back,” she said in 2024, appearing on The Jess Row Big Talk Show.

Over the years, Sarah has been incredibly vocal about their bond, even claiming she was “her biggest influence” In an exclusive interview with HELLO!.

© Tim Graham Photo Library via Get
Sarah revealed that the Queen was like her second mother

“The Queen was obviously the biggest influence; it was the privilege of my life to have her as my mother-in-law. She was the most extraordinary example of duty, loyalty and steadfastness both as head of state and as a private individual,” she shared.

And, Sarah explained at the time, that influence remained stalwart even after her divorce from her ex-husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew.

The Queen’s real thoughts on Sarah Ferguson

But it was the final words of the Queen to her daughter-in-law that appear to speak to her bond with Sarah.

Talking to the Times, the mother of two shared that in her final moments with the Queen, at her highland residence, Balmoral, she said to Sarah: “Sarah, remember that yourself is good enough.”

Sarah added: “She knew me all my life and she loved me,” telling the publication that she referred to the Queen as “mumma.”

The corgis

One telling confirmation of the Queen’s fondness for Sarah was the fact that she entrusted her beloved corgis to her care, and the royal pups, Muick and Sandy, have always been a point of connection for Sarah and her late mother-in-law.

© Instagram
Sarah Ferguson was entrusted with the late Monarch’s pet corgis

Sarah  explained on the aforementioned podcast that she would always remember her walks with the Queen and the corgis in tow “fondly.”

Adding: “I really love when I’m with them [the corgis], actually, I really think about HM [Her Majesty], and I just think about the value system she supported in this country and how the nation mourns her.”