Royal Watch News

Duke of York accompanies ex-wife to wedding

Dec 21, 2012, 12:02 GMT

Prince Andrew

Britain's Duke of York accompanied his ex-wife to her stepmother's wedding yesterday (20.12.12).

Prince Andrew appeared on good terms with Sarah Ferguson - whom he split from in 1996 - as he took her and their two daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, to the wedding of Susan Ferguson, who married former soldier Sir Richard Swinburn.

The ceremony took place in the 900-year-old All Saints Church in Dummer, Hampshire, Southern England and was attended by 120 guests.

The ceremony was conducted by Reverend Christopher Walker, a retired Chaplain to the armed forces, and it is thought that the bride's son gave her away.

After the service reverend Walker said Sir Richard was 'a very lucky man to meet someone like Susan.'

He added to the Daily Mail newspaper: 'I was in the same regiment as the bridegroom for 20 years, and I had been chaplain for 25 years.

'She used the old 1928 Service which does involve obeying. I was very honoured and privileged to be asked to conduct the service.'

The Duchess of York - whose father Major Ronald Ferguson died nine years ago - wore a purple dress with a mauve shawl and deep purple velvet coat for the service.

Eugenie wore black beneath a long dark-cream overcoat, while Beatrice decided on a dark grey overcoat above a pale flowery dress.

After the happy couple left the church to a peal of bells, a reception was held at Susan's nearby home.