Sarah, Duchess of York has written an extremely heartfelt letter to her late mother Susan Barrantes, who died in a car accident in 1998. Susan was living in Argentina with her second husband Hector Barrantes when she was killed in a car crash driving from her polo farm.
She had left Sarah to be raised by her father back in Hampshire, England at the age of eight, and in a new extract, the Duchess has written that she forgives her mum and wishes she was still alive today.
"It has been 17 years since you departed on your last drive from the farm in Argentina," wrote Sarah. "There is not a day that doesn't go by when I wish I could pick up the telephone and tell you what I have been doing."
© Photo: Getty ImagesSusan Barrantes left Sarah Ferguson when she was eight years old to travel to Argentina
Prince Andrew's ex-wife also wrote about how her children Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, the Queen's granddaughters, resemble Susan.
"To tell you how your granddaughters have excelled and shine," she added. "They continually remind me of your magnetic energy and the humility with which you lived your life for 62 years."
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duchess of York wrote that not a day goes by when she misses her mum
She continued: "I look back now and thank you, forgive you, and love you more. You gave me the strength to look at life differently. I am convinced I would never be the strong person I am inwardly had I not had to come to terms with the sense of abandonment.
"I wish for you to be looking over my shoulder right now, and realize that you gave me empathy, which holds me in steadfastness and an understanding of belief in myself. I do forgive you completely."
The 55-year-old, who was married to Prince Andrew for ten years, also revealed that her ex-husband and her mum got on so well together.
© Photo: Getty Images"Your granddaughters have excelled and shine," wrote the Duchess of her children Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie
"You loved Andrew so much," wrote Sarah. "And your darling granddaughters, they are all exceptional, and I pass your photograph every day and say I am the luckiest girl in the world to have you as my mum.
"I miss your physical presence, but when I next see a butterfly, I will know you have read my letter, and that you are proud of me and my girls, and of course your special son-in-law Andrew. I never stop laughing and feeling full of joy, because then I know you are near. Your ever loving and devoted daughter, Sarah. Your Fishface."
The letter is just one to feature in Lisa Erspamer's new book A Letter to My Mom, which has been released to celebrate Mother's Day in the US next month. The book contains letters from famous people including Kelly Osbourne and Melissa Rivers, who have penned messages to their mums.
