This year, they will not be attending the Windsor family celebrations, but Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson are preparing their own Christmas gathering.
After being stripped of all their titles, the brother of King Charles III and his former wife are planning to reunite with some of their closest friends at Royal Lodge, the residence that has been their home for many years.
Despite the scandals and the particularly delicate moment they are facing, especially due to Andrew’s links to the Jeffrey Epstein case, they have decided to go ahead with their plans and host a farewell party that will bring together some of their nearest and dearest, those who have remained loyal to them throughout this time.
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie, author of 'Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York,' believes that, despite their fall from grace, they want to make the most of their final December at Royal Lodge by hosting one last party, with a guest list full of friends they have known for a long time and "who have stood by them.”
A source close to the couple told the Daily Mail that "there is to be some sort of party for their last remaining friends over Christmas. I'm not sure they've labelled it a "farewell" party, but it very much looks like a last hurrah."
The insider continued, "The guest list would be full of 'friends that go a long way back and have stuck with them.'"The source also notes that, unlike previous years, there will be no party for the Royal Lodge staff, even though many of them have worked for them for years.
Although the official guest list has not been made public, it is known that prominent figures feature within the former couple’s social circle. In recent years, Fergie has remained close to personalities such as aristocrat Mark Francis Vandelli, and even celebrities like Elton John have been part of her trusted inner circle.
One name frequently mentioned is Lady Victoria Hervey, Andrew’s former girlfriend and close friend, who has been one of his defenders even amid the controversies surrounding his association with Epstein. Charlie Butter, a childhood friend of the King’s brother, and Shafira Huang, a Hong Kong socialite and friend of the former duchess, could also attend this final toast.
British media also mention Kate Moss, who has maintained a close relationship with Sarah Ferguson, although that bond may have been affected by recent scandals. Naomi Campbell, a loyal friend of Sarah’s for more than 20 years, is also said to be on the list.
Her relationship with the York family has long been strong, and the model has shared moments with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie on several occasions.
Singer Ellie Goulding, who struck up a friendship with Sarah through her daughter Eugenie, could be another guest, although the current situation surrounding the Dukes of York may cast doubt on the future of that friendship.