SARAH Ferguson has paid a heartfelt tribute to her close friend Lisa Marie Presley, quoting the late Queen in her message.
Lisa Marie, the daughter of Elvis Presley, died at her home in California at the age of 54 on January 12, having suffered a cardiac arrest.
Thousands have gathered at the Graceland estate in Memphis for her public funeral where she will be buried alongside her dad and son Benjamin who died in July 2020 aged just 27.
The Duchess of York and Lisa Marie became close friends after they met for the first time in the US in 2009.
Lisa Marie then attended the Duchess’ 50th birthday party which was held at London’s Lanesborough Hotel the same year.
Kylie Jenner goes braless in mesh catsuit for new snaps on New Year's Eve
Fergie also let Lisa Marie stay at her villa in Marbella to privately grieve the death of her former husband Michael Jackson.
During Fergie’s tribute at the service today, she described Lisa Marie as “extraordinary” and said it was a “great honour” to be there.
'EXTRAORDINARY'
Fergie said: “You talked about the flames and I think it's time that we all need to stoke our flames within to do what Joel said, which was to celebrate the extraordinary Lisa Marie.
“And I stand here with great honour because we called each other sissy and I've been with you being with you all for all your lives really. And I stand here with great honour.”
She added: “Sissy this is for you with affection. My late mother-in-law used to say that nothing can be said can begin to take away the anguish and the pain of these moments because grief is the price we pay for love and how right she was.
“Today we talk about Lisa Marie. We look at Priscilla as a mother to Lisa Marie, we look at Lisa Marie and say you lost a son. Mothers losing children, there are no words for it. So today we talk about action.
“Action is the way we can go forward, we can light the flame. So for Riley, for Harper and Finley and the entire family, we march forward in support of you. All of us are with you. If you just put out your hand we will be there. I will definitely be there.”
She finished her tribute with an extract that David Frost had penned for his son George before his death.
Fergie said: “I have had my life and enjoyed every second, but as it is, another life has beckoned. It is important to know that I've not gone, and I hope that all you on my light has shone.
“Stay in that sunshine, rest never in the shade. Don't curse my absence as this light you'll evade. I live in the smiles, the moon the stars and sky and I feel eternal pride as I watch you all fly.
Stacey Solomon says her life a 'mess' as she makes New Year's resolution
“And for my darling children who wonder what to do, just have a wonderful time as I will living through you.”
Axl Rose and Alanis Morissette also performed at the service with Alanis performing her song Rest.
Those in attendance included her daughter, actress Riley Keough, and her mother Priscilla Presley.
Just days earlier Fergie had taken to Instagram to post a message about Lisa Marie.
She wrote on the social media site: “I say hello to you everyday and I love you my sissy and I will continue to say hello to you everyday.
“You were my sissy, an amazing mother to Ben, Riley, Harper and Finley and a superbly loving daughter to Priscilla.
Fergie added: “You have been my devoted friend for many years and I am here for your family to support and love them.
“I am deeply saddened my sissy, you are in my heart.”
