Fergie, 61, has been a magnet for media attention and royal scandals over the years but has said the Queen has been her “greatest mentor”. Opening up on the latest episode of the Tea with Twiggy podcast, The Duchess of York said her mother-in-law has always believed in her.

       Opening up on the latest episode of the Tea with Twiggy podcast, The Duchess of York said her mother-in-law has always believed in her.

       She said: “I absolutely admire the incredible way Her Majesty is so modern？.？.？.？and how flexible, and how understanding, and how forgiving and how generous.”

       “My mother-in-law has been more of a mother to me than my mother.

       “I absolutely think there is no greater mentor because, from a little girl to now, the consistency of Her Majesty has been a great honour, it’s a huge honour — makes me want to cry.”

       Her mother Susan Barrantes abandoned her at 13 to move to Argentina.

       However, she tragically died in a car crash in 1998.

       Last year, the Duchess of York made a touching tribute to her late mother with a rare throwback family photo.

       Sharing the picture of her mother and sister on social media, Fergie acknowledged her mother died “far too young”.

       READ MORE: Queen sends condolences to Haiti’s Prime Minister after earthquake

       She said: “Happy days with Mum (always in my heart) my sister Jane and Puff the Poodle on a lake in Scotland.

       “She died far too young…we miss you Mum.”

       The Duchess of York is the mother of Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice and recently became a grandmother earlier this year.

       Opening up about her experiences, she told Us Weekly Eugenie will be a fantastic mother.

       DON'T MISS

       Prince Charles and Camilla's Scottish home, Birkhall [ANALYSIS]

       Kate Middleton and Camilla shows 'few moments of closeness' [INSIGHT]

       Kate and William in stitches as Camilla solves Charles wardrobe mishap [REVEAL]

       She said: “Having not had my own mother around, I’ve always been determined to be a very present mother with my children, and I know Eugenie will be the same with hers.

       “She is incredibly empathetic and will be a great mother.

       “She is a very strong and determined person, always looking for the truth in all she does.”