Royal Watch News

Tree planted by Duchess of York removed

Aug 2, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Sarah, Duchess of York

A tree planted by Britain's Duchess of York, has to be removed due to it being 'inappropriate'.

The Lebanese cedar was placed by Sarah Ferguson - who was previously married to Prince Andrew - in 1989, but the organiser of a series of plays in York say the tree must be removed as it obstructs seating arrangements.

Martin Watts, of the York Museums Trust, said: 'We know the tree has royal connections, and it is very unfortunate that we have had to apply to have it removed. However, we believe it is justified and necessary to take these steps.'

The news will come as a blow to Sarah - who has been largely single since splitting from the Duke of York - as she was recently recovering from an operation in Thailand, causing her to miss her daughter Princess Eugene's graduation from Newcastle University.

A spokesperson said: 'She had an operation a while ago and this was always planned as a period of recuperation.

'Of course, she is disappointed to miss her daughter's graduation.'