Andrew's emotional praise

Feb 8, 2007, 13:00 GMT

Britain's Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, was moved to tears after hearing a glowing tribute from her ex-husband Prince Andrew.

The duchess was overwhelmed when Andrew's affectionate speech was read out during a New York ceremony in which she was named the American Cancer Society's Mother of the Year.

Andrew and Sarah - who have two children together, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie - officially divorced in 1996 after separating in 1992.

The Duke of York gushed: "I am delighted and pleased that Sarah has been recognised as a super mother.

"I have been the silent beneficiary of her brilliance in the ways she brought up our two wonderful daughters.

"Sarah managed this in the glare of what has been at times hostile attention, but never allowed this to get in the way of our family and the values we both bring to the challenge of being modern parents."

After hearing the lavish praise Sarah was overheard saying: "He's never done that before, never!"

Sarah has maintained a good friendship with her ex-husband and they recently enjoyed an intimate dinner together at the exclusive China Tang restaurant at London's Dorchester hotel.

Sarah previously revealed that Andrew was her "best friend".

She said: "We all sit round the table and eat together. Andrew and I believe in total parent unity. We're best friends and the girls love it."

(C) BANG Media International