Sarah Ferguson says Prince Andrew is 'a wonderful man who has gone through enormous pain'
Sarah Ferguson has described her ex-husband Prince Andrew as a “wonderful man” who has gone through "enormous pain".
The Duchess expressed support for Andrew, who was forced to quit royal duties after the reception to his BBC Newsnight interview, where he discussed his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew has strenuously denied claims made by Virginia Giuffre that he slept with her when she was 17, after she was trafficked by Epstein.
He denies all allegations and says he does not remember meeting her.
During an unearthed interview with Vogue Arabia - which is said to have been conducted before The Duke of York stepped away from public life - Fergie said the accusations against him were "nonsense".
The Duchess said: “When I talk about Prince Andrew, I talk about family because the last six months have been hard on the girls and me.
“To see such a wonderful man go through such enormous pain… he is the best man I know. It’s just incredible what he has done for Britain and it’s all nonsense.”
She also compared herself to Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, and called her “fabulous”, adding: “I know what Meghan is going through.”
Fergie, who faced harsh criticism from the press after marrying into the royals and then divorcing Andrew, said she could sympathise with the Duchess of Sussex’s experience.
Sarah said: “It must be hard for Meghan and I can relate to her. I believe she is modern and fabulous. I tend not to give advice because it is taken out of context but I have been in Meghan’s shoes and I still am.