Fergie may be the key to a peaceful palace Christmas

When it comes to royal ructions, Prince Andrew is the gift that keeps on giving. Step forward someone not traditionally known for being the voice of calm, writes Harry Mount

- Harry Mount

Might Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, be an unlikely peace broker for the royal family? Insiders believe so, particularly in light of the latest controversy involving her ex-husband, Prince Andrew. Revelations about Andrew's close ties to alleged Chinese spy, Yang Tengbo, have cast him even further into royal exile. Neither he, Ferguson, nor their daughters will join King Charles for Christmas lunch at Sandringham – a privilege that Queen Elizabeth II always extended to her supposedly favourite son. After discussions with Ferguson, Andrew has also reportedly opted out of today’s annual Buckingham Palace preChristmas lunch.

Until the last moment, Andrew was reportedly adamant about attending the lunch, unable to see why he should miss a family gathering. It appears Ferguson was instrumental in persuading him to reconsider.

Ferguson has also been vital in maintaining a bridge between King Charles and Andrew amid ongoing tensions, particularly over Andrew’s housing. While Andrew wishes to remain at the sprawling Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, the King would prefer he relocate to Frogmore Cottage – the more modest Windsor home once earmarked for the Sussexes before their move to California.

Palace insiders suggest Ferguson may be the only person capable of convincing Andrew to accept the move, which they believe better suits his reduced status.

Acting as a mediator between royal households is not only something Ferguson excels at but also a role she is now embracing with typical gusto. In a recent Sunday Times interview, she expressed her desire to contribute more to the monarchy: “I want to do as much for the Queen as possible. I wish they’d ask me to do more.”