Princess Beatrice has attended the funeral of Paddy McNally, the veteran racing businessman and longtime friend of her mother, Sarah Ferguson.
The 38-year-old royal was seen at St James’s Church in Sevenhampton, Wiltshire, on Friday, where family and friends gathered to remember McNally, who died last month at the age of 88.
Beatrice appeared to represent her family at the private service. She wore a simple black dress and carried a handbag as she arrived for the funeral.
Sarah Ferguson Not Seen at the Service
Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, was not seen at the funeral. Her current whereabouts remain uncertain after a period away from the public spotlight.
Ferguson and McNally shared a long-standing friendship that began decades ago. The pair were romantically linked for several years before Ferguson married Prince Andrew in 1986.
Their relationship remained close even after they went their separate ways. Ferguson had previously worked as a nanny for McNally’s two sons when she was in her early twenties and later described him as an important father figure in her life.
She had spoken warmly about his influence, recalling that she regularly turned to him for advice because of his experience and knowledge of the world.
A Friendship That Lasted for Decades
McNally was a prominent figure in the world of motor racing and was known for his association with Formula One. His friendship with Ferguson continued long after their romantic relationship ended.
The connection also extended to Ferguson’s daughters. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie reportedly spent time at McNally’s properties during their childhood.
McNally was also understood to have provided support to Ferguson during difficult periods of her life.
Questions Surrounding McNally’s Estate
The funeral comes amid speculation about McNally’s substantial fortune and whether Ferguson could receive part of his estate.
The businessman was believed to have accumulated considerable wealth during his career, with estimates placing his fortune in the hundreds of millions of pounds.
McNally was also reported to have helped Ferguson with accommodation after she and Prince Andrew left Royal Lodge in Windsor.
His property in Verbier, Switzerland, was reportedly used by Ferguson as a place to stay. The luxury resort has long been associated with the family’s holidays and social circle.
Ferguson’s Recent Absence From Public Life
Ferguson has largely remained out of the public eye in recent months.
She was previously reported to have spent time at a wellness facility in Austria and later stayed at McNally’s property in Verbier.
More recently, she was said to have travelled to Portugal to visit her daughter Princess Eugenie, who recently welcomed her third child.
Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank have kept details about their new baby’s name private.
A Quiet Farewell
For Princess Beatrice, Friday’s appearance marked a public farewell to a man who had been closely connected to her family for many years.
While Ferguson was absent from the ceremony, Beatrice’s attendance reflected the enduring relationship between the McNally family and the York family.
McNally’s death closes a remarkable chapter in the lives of those who knew him, particularly Ferguson, whose relationship with the racing tycoon continued for decades beyond their time as a couple.
