Fergie flies home for father's funeral

Fergie flies home for father's funeral

The Duchess visited her father in hospital before he died

The Duchess of York is on her way home to Britain after the death of her father, Major Ronald Ferguson.

The Duchess, who has been in Australia on WeightWatchers' business, was joined on the flight by elder sister, Jane, who lives in Sydney.

The private funeral of Major Ferguson, who died aged 71 last Sunday after a heart attack, is on Monday morning.

Later in the day there will be a service of thanksgiving at Odiham All Saints Church, near Basingstoke, Hampshire.

The major had battled prostate cancer since 1996 and suffered a series of heart attacks.

His second wife, Susan, was with him when he died at The Hampshire Clinic, Basingstoke, close to the family home at Dummer.

Major Ferguson suffered prostate cancer and a series of heart attacks

Sarah Ferguson was on her way to Australia at the time and the news was broken to her by telephone during a stop-over at Bangkok.

She had visited her father at the clinic before setting off.

The Queen has sent a private message of condolence to the major's widow.

The Duke of York, his former son-in-law, was said to be "deeply saddened" by the news.

Polo manager

Major Ferguson spent 28 years in his father's regiment, the Household Cavalry.

He became a public figure in 1986, with his daughter Sarah's marriage to Prince Andrew.

For 21 years, the major held the honorary position of Prince Charles' polo manager, until quitting after a series of scandals.