Royals Sarah Ferguson Reveals Playful Nickname for Queen Elizabeth: 'No One Like Her' Fergie knew the Queen since the 1980s and was married to her son Prince Andrew for a decade By Janine Henni Janine Henni Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world's most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment. People Editorial Guidelines Published on October 6, 2022 04:21PM EDT Photo: David Levenson/Getty Sarah Ferguson is reflecting on her relationship with Queen Elizabeth. The Duchess of York shared her sweet nickname for the late monarch during the Henley Literary Festival earlier this week. Ferguson, 62, was married to the Queen's son Prince Andrew from 1986 to 1996, previously revealing that she remained close to the monarch even after the divorce. "It's been all my life that I've known the boss and there's no one like her," Fergie said at the festival, according to The Telegraph. "I wouldn't do anything unless the boss gave me her blessing though, and still to this day, I think about that." Fergie attended the event to discuss her debut novel, Her Heart for a Compass, a coming-of-age story about her ancestor Lady Margaret Montagu Douglas Scott, who dared to defy norms in Victorian England in favor of forging her own path forward. Who Is Prince Andrew's Ex-Wife? All About Sarah Ferguson Sarah Ferguson and Queen Elizabeth. Georges De Keerle/Getty According to the outlet, Fergie immediately cited Queen Elizabeth when asked if any women inspired her characters in the work of historical fiction. "There's no question about it, mine is my mother-in-law," the author said. "I've been the luckiest person alive. I have, there's no question." Fergie again dropped the deferential nickname when explaining how she first presented the text to the Queen. "When we wrote the book, I gave it to the boss and I said, 'You don't need to read it,' " she recalled of her novel, published August 2021. "But I think she was so proud that we did it. And that's just huge for me. She was just very, very special." Sarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew and Queen Elizabeth. Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty Sarah Ferguson Says She Will Miss Former Mother-in-Law Queen Elizabeth 'More Than Words Can Express' Fergie attended the Queen's state funeral and committal service on Sept. 19, poignantly pinning on a swooping swallow brooch — a symbol of a safe journey popular in Victorian England. The subtle sentiment was a thoughtful nod, as Fergie knew the Queen since the '80s. The Duchess of York opened up about how much her relationship with her former mother-in-law meant in an emotional post on Sept. 8, after Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen died "peacefully" at age 96. Christopher Furlong/Getty "I am heartbroken by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen," Fergie began an Instagram tribute. "She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy: the most fantastic example of duty and service and steadfastness, and a constant steadying presence as our head of state for more than 70 years. She has given her whole life selflessly to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth." "To me, she was the most incredible mother-in-law and friend," she continued. "I will always be grateful to her for the generosity she showed me in remaining close to me even after my divorce. I will miss her more than words can express." Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Joe Giddens-WPA Pool/Getty Fergie and Andrew have remained close over the years and share daughters Princess Beatrice, 34, and Princess Eugenie, 32. Despite divorcing, they still live together at their family home, Royal Lodge in Windsor, and are caring for the two corgis that survived the Queen. "The corgis will return to live at Royal Lodge with the Duke and Duchess. It was the Duchess who found the puppies, which were gifted to Her Majesty by the Duke," a source close to the Duke previously confirmed to PEOPLE.