Sarah Ferguson has described former husband Prince Andrew as a “thoroughly good man” and said it was a “joy” to see him “really shine as a grandfather.”

       The Queen’s son retired from royal duties in late 2019 after the ensuing scandal and fall-out from his relationship with convicted paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.

       In an attempt to rehabilitate his public image he took part in a car crash interview with Emily Maitlis on BBC’s Newsnight where he denied having sex with alleged Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre when she was only 17-years-old.

       However the Duchess of York, 61, today defended her former husband while promoting her new book, Her Heart For A Compass, on ITV’s Lorraine, and said he was a brilliant grandfather to his daughter Princess Eugenie’s son August.

       Fergie said: ‘It’s been extraordinary the pandemic for everybody, it’s been so challenging for everybody. But I think that Prince Andrew is such a good man, he’s a thoroughly good man, he’s a very gentle man, he’s a really good father.’

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       The Duchess of York and Prince Andrew divorced in 1996 but Fergie said they have been able to parent their two children, Beatrice and Eugenie, effectively while sharing a home at the Royal Lodge.

       She said: “We did co-parent very well, hence the reason why the girls are very solid and [have their] feet on the ground. But now, as a grandfather, oh my goodness, he’s really good. He can go for hours talking about football and all those sorts of things. And I’m like, “Ok, off you go.” It’s a joy to see him really shine as a grandfather.

       “I think it’s very important, family unity – communicate, compromise, compassion. Those are the three Cs that are essential.”

       The family are also expecting a further grandchild as Prince Beatrice is due to give birth later this year.