The Duchess of York breaks silence on how Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have been coping since Prince Andrew stepped down

The Duchess of York has spoken out about how she and her two daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, are coping after Prince Andrew stepped down from his official royal duties.

• Fergie has spoken out for the first time after Prince Andrew stepped down.
• The Duchess said it’s been a hard six months for the family, seeing the Prince go through ‘enormous pain’.
• This follows royal news that Princess Beatrice praised for ‘honest words’ in first speech since Prince Andrew stepped down.

Fergie opened up about how the York family have been coping since Prince Andrew’s controversial interview aired and he stepped down.

Speaking to Vogue Arabia, she 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 [her voice raises as she alludes to the Epstein scandal], so I talk about familyhood, and I’m very strong about it. The mental health of men is important and I think it is vital to articulate that more."

Ahead of the interview being aired last month, Fergie shared a post in support of her ex-husband. She wrote at the time, ‘It is so rare to meet people that are able to speak from their hearts with honesty and pure real truth, that remain steadfast and strong to their beliefs.

‘Andrew is a true and real gentleman and is stoically steadfast to not only his duty but also his kindness and goodness of always seeing the best in people. I am deeply supportive and proud of this giant of a principled man, that dares to put his shoulder to the wind and stands firm with his sense of honour and truth.

‘For so many years he has gone about his duties for Great Britain and The Monarch. It is time for Andrew to stand firm now, and that he has, and I am with him every step of the way and that is my honour. We have always walked tall and strong, he for me and me for him.’