Sarah Ferguson shared an emotive Christmas message on Instagram alongside her two corgis which she adopted from the late Queen Elizabeth II.
It comes as both she and her ex-husband Prince Andrew stayed out of the spotlight and did not attend Christmas festivities in Sandringham, Norfolk, with the wider Royal Family.
Fergie spoke of reflection and joy in the video which appeared to be filmed on the Windsor Estate of Royal Lodge, where the Duchess resides with Andrew.
The Duchess of York, 65, is understood to be the person who convinced her ex-husband to remain at Royal Lodge during Christmas, following his scandal over his links to an alleged Chinese spy.
Speaking candidly to the camera, Fergie said: “It’s a time of reflection and I just want to say thank you. And a huge embrace of goodness to, and kindness to those of you who have been so kind and so supportive.
“People all over the world that are feeling a little bit low or sad, just take some joy and bubbles from us, here.
“We’re sending you so much love, and you must just keep showing light, turning to the light, finding the joy and saying thank you.”
After delivering her message she petted and played with the two corgis, Sandy and Muik, and continued with her walk on the estate.
The ex-husband and wife spent the festive day far from senior members of the Firm and other royal relatives, who instead joined King Charles and Queen Camilla for the annual gathering at Sandringham.
Andrew and Sarah’s eldest daughter Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi attended the service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham with the rest of the Royal Family on Christmas Day. Beatrice had changed her travel plans due to medical advice during her pregnancy.
Princess Eugenie, her husband, Jack Brooksbank, and their sons, August and Ernest spent the day with Jack’s family.
Also not making an appearance yesterday in Norfolk were the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, who have been celebrating Christmas in California with their children, five-year-old Archie and Lilibet, aged three.
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson pulled out of Christmas celebrations with the Royal Family after the Duke of York’s links to an alleged Chinese spy came to light.
Andrew said he had “ceased all contact” with businessman, Yang Tengbo, who was found to have forged links with Andrew and mixed with former Prime Ministers.
In a rare statement from his office, the Duke of York said he had cut ties following “advice” from officials. Andrew’s statement read: “The Duke of York followed advice from HMG (His Majesty’s Government) and ceased all contact with the individual after concerns were raised.
“The duke met the individual through official channels, with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed. He is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security.”
In his own statement, Mr Yang denied accusations set by the Home Office: “I have done nothing wrong or unlawful and the concerns raised by the Home Office against me are ill-founded. The widespread description of me as a ‘spy’ is entirely untrue.”
