Duchess of York ‘leaves Scottish retreat after Duke of Edinburgh turns up early’

Did Prince Philip force Sarah Ferguson to cut her Balmoral stay short? Duchess of York ‘leaves Scottish retreat after Duke of Edinburgh turns up early for his summer holiday’

  • Prince Philip has refused to be under same roof as Sarah Ferguson since 1996
  • It is said he accuses her of publicly humiliating the Queen and royal family 
  • The Duchess of York left Balmoral yesterday when Duke of Edinburgh arrived  

The Duchess of York was forced to leave Balmoral yesterday after the Duke of Edinburgh turned up early for his summer holiday, it has been claimed.

Prince Philip has refused to be under the same roof as Sarah Ferguson since her divorce from Prince Andrew in 1996. It is said he accuses her of having publicly humiliated the Queen and the royal family.

Some had hoped their appearance together at Princess Eugenie’s wedding last year had signalled a thaw in relations.

Prince Philip has refused to be under the same roof as Sarah Ferguson since her divorce from Prince Andrew in 1996. Pictured arriving in Aberdeen last Wednesday

Balmoral sources say Sarah Ferguson had to unexpectedly leave when Prince Philip arrived earlier than planned

Balmoral sources say Sarah Ferguson had to unexpectedly leave when Prince Philip arrived earlier than planned

But Balmoral sources said the Duchess, who arrived on Thursday night, had to unexpectedly leave for London, sparking speculation within the royal household. She was spotted catching a British Airways flight at nearby Aberdeen Airport yesterday afternoon. The Queen began allowing the Duchess to join the annual family gathering at Balmoral about six years ago.

But an insider said: ‘In previous years the duchess has left the day before the Queen’s husband arrives.

‘This year he arrived yesterday, several days earlier than expected, which is rather strange, so the duchess left.’ She was expected to spend up to a week with Prince Andrew and their daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie at the castle. 

The Queen began allowing the Duchess to join the annual family gathering at Balmoral about six years ago. Pictured being driven to Crathie Kirk Church before a service this morning

The Queen began allowing the Duchess to join the annual family gathering at Balmoral about six years ago. Pictured being driven to Crathie Kirk Church before a service this morning

Prince Andrew, Princess Beatrice and Prince Charles and Camilla join the Queen at Crathie Kirk for Sunday Service during Her Majesty's third week of summer break

Prince Andrew, Princess Beatrice and Prince Charles and Camilla join the Queen at Crathie Kirk for Sunday Service during Her Majesty’s third week of summer break

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