King Charles 'very grateful' after Sarah Ferguson's latest move amid royal scandal

The decision came amid growing controversy over Prince Andrew's alleged links to a Chinese spy.

Palace sources had urged the duke to "do the decent thing" and step back from high-profile family events to avoid further embarrassment to the King.

The intervention by Fergie demonstrates her emerging role as a valuable ally for the King, as one of the few people who can influence her former husband's decisions.

The Duchess of York intervened through "deft family diplomacy," according to The Telegraph, to convince Prince Andrew that the pre-Christmas gathering was not the appropriate moment for a public appearance.

The publication claims that King Charles is "very grateful" following Sarah's intervention.

Palace aides were initially unaware of these behind-the-scenes discussions, not knowing the outcome until after the couple had reached their decision.

The duke has also opted to skip the Christmas celebrations at Sandringham in Norfolk. This means he will avoid being photographed during the traditional family walk to church on Christmas morning.

The annual Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace is traditionally an opportunity for the monarch to celebrate with extended family members who do not receive invitations to Sandringham.

While it's a private event, guests are typically photographed as they arrive at the Palace gates.

The intervention marks a significant shift in the duchess's standing within the Royal Family, having once been considered an outsider.

King Charles has made deliberate efforts to welcome Fergie back into the fold since his accession.

She has been invited to the last two family Christmases at Sandringham, her first such invitations in three decades.

The King even permitted her to join the high-profile walk to church last year, signalling her renewed acceptance.

Her diplomatic intervention will be a welcome mark of appreciation for the duchess, who has maintained unwavering loyalty to the Royal Family despite her separation from Prince Andrew in 1992.

The King's gratitude reflects her growing influence within royal circles and her ability to navigate sensitive family matters.

Prince Andrew and Sarah are expected to spend Christmas at Royal Lodge, their shared residence in Windsor.

Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, had already decided not to attend Sandringham this year.

The latest controversy emerged on December 12 when court documents revealed Yang Tengbo, described as a "close confidant" of the duke, had been banned from the UK on national security grounds.