In a reconciliatory move, Queen Elizabeth is reportedly allowing Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson to hold an epic birthday bash at Windsor Castle to celebrate her 55th birthday.
The ex-wife of Prince Andrew is expected to celebrate with a spectacular party at Windsor’s State Apartments on Wednesday after the Queen allowed her former daughter-in-law to use the location.
Related: Fergie and Prince Andrew to remarry?!
Sparing no expense for the occasion, the event will reportedly cost more than $92,000 and will be attended by numerous high-profile celebrities and royals.
“It’s going to be a hell of a night,” one Windsor Castle source toldThe Express. “The Duchess of York is over the moon that the Queen allowed her to hold the party at the castle, and she hopes many of her friends can make it.”
Related: Prince William hosts star-studded ball at Windsor Castle
“We are expecting lots of big names. Everyone wants to see if Prince Harry and Cressida turn up as a couple. The Duchess’s charities also want to pay tribute to her many years of work and lots of them will be here as well.”
Related: Sarah Ferguson – a timeline
This generosity marks an extraordinary change in royal attitudes to the mother of the two princesses, Beatrice and Eugenie. It seems Fergie has been allowed back into the fold after years of being shunned. While it is believed that the Queen’s husband Prince Philip is still no fan of the redhead and refuses to speak to her, the Queen has a soft spot for Fergie, regarding her as a good mother to her granddaughters.
It is thought that Prince Philip has never forgiven Fergie for the embarrassment she caused the family in the 1990s with her infamous ‘toe-sucking’ photos. The Duchess of York was recently forced to flee a royal vacation at the Queen’s favourite holiday spot, the royal estate in Balmoral, to avoid an encounter with Philip.
Related: Sarah Ferguson flees Prince Philip, cutting holiday short
Guests at this week’s Windsor party are expected to include Sir Elton John and David Furnish, Robbie Williams, Stephen Fry,Downton Abbeycreator Julian Fellowes, Virgin entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, supermodels Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, and fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg.
Related: Sarah Ferguson steps out looking super skinny
Many royals are also expected, including Fergie’s ex Prince Andrew and their daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, Prince Edward and wife Sophie, Peter and Zara Phillips and their partners, and Prince Harry, possibly with former flame Cressida Bonas, who he’s rumoured to be dating again.
It’s unlikely that Prince William and Duchess Catherine will be there – Catherine continues to suffer severe morning sickness and has returned to her family home in Bucklebury to be comforted by her parents. However, her sister Pippa Middleton may attend.
Related: Prince Harry plans lavish party for his 30th birthday
