Royals Sarah Ferguson Says She'll Do 'Whatever It Takes' to Support King Charles and Queen Camilla The Duchess of York and author of A Most Intriguing Lady tells PEOPLE the festivities for the upcoming coronation feel "very British and very exciting" By Michelle Tauber Michelle Tauber Twitter Michelle Tauber is the Editorial Director of Society & Culture at PEOPLE overseeing Parents, Royals, Health, Weddings and Politics. She was previously the Senior Editor of Royals at PEOPLE and PEOPLE's first and only Head Writer. People Editorial Guidelines Published on March 2, 2023 10:00 AM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty, CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Sarah Ferguson will continue celebrating King Charles III and Queen Camilla in their new royal roles. Sarah, whose title is Duchess of York (and who is popularly known as Fergie), talks to PEOPLE exclusively in this week's issue as the U.K. prepares for the coronation of Charles, 74, and Camilla, 75, on May 6. "I'm very supportive of the King and the Queen Consort, and I really am glad to do whatever it takes to support them on their road ahead," says the Duchess, 63. On the patriotic pomp surrounding the crowning ceremony, she adds, "I think it's very British, and it's very exciting. I love the institution of monarchy, and I believe in upholding the institution." Sarah Ferguson on Her 'Idol' Queen Elizabeth and Adopting the Corgis: 'They Are National Icons' Sarah Ferguson. Zoe McConnell No doubt that the ceremony will come with memories of Queen Elizabeth II, who the Duchess describes as her ultimate role model. "She was so brilliant at putting you at ease. She had the most incredible faith of any single person I've ever met. She just knew what to do," she says of her late mother-in-law and monarch. "She knew how to make people feel good. She never took it on board as about her. It's about the monarchy, about making someone feel good. She was my total idol." Queen Elizabeth and Sarah Ferguson. Julian Parker/Daily Mail/Shutterstock Following the Queen's death in September, the Duchess was entrusted with the care of her last corgis, Sandy and Muick. Ferguson says that if she could speak with the Queen today, it would be about the dogs. "If I was to talk to her today, I would tell her about the magnolia trees in the garden, because she loved that, and the primroses on the banks of Windsor, and the snowdrops. She would love that her doggies were walking wherever she walked before," she says. Sarah Ferguson on Her 'Granny' Era: 'They Follow Me Around Like Peter Pan' Avon In the Duchess' second historical fiction novel A Most Intriguing Lady, out March 7, she explores the theme of "invisible women" in history — and for her new book, she's incorporated a detective element. 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! "I see everything as a wonderful sort of curiosity, and whodunit really . . . That's because I'm heavily into romance, and I love historical romance. I cry at Hallmark, you know? Just mentioning Hallmark, I could cry," she says. "I love romance, and I love the beauty of love and joy and magic." Updated by Michelle Tauber Michelle Tauber Twitter Michelle Tauber is the Editorial Director of Society & Culture at PEOPLE overseeing Parents, Royals, Health, Weddings and Politics. She was previously the Senior Editor of Royals at PEOPLE and PEOPLE's first and only Head Writer. learn more