In a new interview, the Duchess of York also expresses how highly she thinks of the British monarch, saying, 'I really respect the monarchy of Britain, and I really love the tradition and culture.'

• Jul 15, 2021

AceShowbiz - Sarah Ferguson is defending her ex Prince Andrew after he decided to step back from his public duties. While discussing the son of Queen Elizabeth II and their past marriage in a new interview, the Duchess of York had nothing but good words for her ex-husband.

In the interview with PEOPLE, Sarah called Prince Andrew a "kind, good man" and "a fabulous father" to their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. She also made it clear that she remains supportive for the royal, saying, "Whatever challenges he has, I will stand firm to the co-parenters that we are together. So sometimes when Andrew's down, I'm up, or when I'm down, he's up, and we will always be supportive of each other."

Sarah also expressed how highly she thinks of the British monarch. "I really respect the monarchy of Britain, and I really love the tradition and culture," she told the magazine. "He has his own way, and I have my very Celtic, very spiritual way. So we are a good balance…Andrew has always stood very firmly with me, and he has never shut the door."

Prince Andrew announced that he stepped back from royal duty in November 2019, just days after a TV interview about his sex scandal aired. The royal was accused of having sex with a 17-year-old girl obtained for him by his friend and convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

In a statement announcing his decision, Andrew wrote, "It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family's work and the valuable work going on in the many organisations and charities that I am proud to support. Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission."

"I continue to unequivocally regret my ill-judged association with Jeffrey Epstein," he continued. "His suicide has left many unanswered questions, particularly for his victims, and I deeply sympathise with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure. I can only hope that, in time, they will be able to rebuild their lives. Of course, I am willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required."