The Duchess of York received support from her close friend Manuel Fernandez as she hosted a private auction for charity on Thursday night. The pair appeared on good terms and posed happily for photos together, despite recent rumours that they had split following a two-year relationship.
Sarah was hosting a private viewing and auction at Clarendon Fine Art to raise funds for her charity Children in Crisis. Wearing a black leather jacket and midi dress, the Duchess mingled with guests including businessman Manuele Malenotti and artist Christian Hook, who painted a portrait of her that was up for sale at the auction.
© Photo: RexSarah Ferguson and Manuel Fernandez appeared on good terms despite recent split rumours
Manuel has been a keen supporter of Sarah's children's charity in recent years, and channels ten per cent of profits from his internet venture vVoosh through a charitable foundation that supports various causes including Children in Crisis.
While Sarah and Manuel never confirmed their relationship, they were rumoured to have been dating after being introduced through mutual friends in early 2014. The pair made a glamorous couple at various events throughout the last year, including the Cannes Film Festival, a black tie gala at London's Natural History Museum and the wedding of Sir Bob Geldof to Jeanne Marine.
The businessman was even introduced to Sarah's daughter Princess Beatrice, and accompanied the mother-daughter duo to a motor race meeting in Battersea in the summer.
© Photo: RexThe pair never confirmed their relationship
At the beginning of the month it was rumoured that Sarah had been left "devastated" after their relationship came to an end, however their joint appearance at Thursday's event suggests that they remain good friends.
Sarah has focused a lot of attention on her charity work in recent weeks and was honoured for her philanthropic work at the Starlite children's charity gala in Mexico City earlier this month. The Duchess was joined at the exclusive event by Antonio Banderas, and spoke of her devotion to helping those less fortunate than herself.
