The Duke and Duchess of York married in 1986 but separated in 1992 and formally divorced in 1996.

Together: Sarah and Andrew with Beatrice

The duchess, who has been linked with an Italian count, still lives in the same house as Prince Andrew, in Sunningdale, Berkshire, with their children Eugenie, nine, and Beatrice, 10.

"There is actually nothing I'd love more than to see them back together properly," Major Ronald Ferguson told Talk Radio.

"Andrew would love it as well, but I don't think he'd be allowed to - that is probably the bottom line - Establishment regulations."

'Wild with rage'

He said there was a "wonderful atmosphere" at Sunningdale.

"The children are there and are very happily growing into such fabulous little girls. It's a wonderful happy family, but they are not married," he said

He said that a comment by Prince Philip earlier this year that the duchess's behaviour was a "bit odd" sent him "wild with rage".

He said: "I then decided it was fairly typical of him and there was no point in picking up the telephone and speaking to him about it because when us commoners marry into that family you don't have that sort of relationship.