Prince Andrew declined to join the rest of the Royal Family for Christmas this year amid the recent “Chinese spy” scandal (which reportedly took considerable convincing from his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson). However, before making the decision to remain in the Royal Lodge, the Duke of York had apparently decided to move in with his brother and sister-in-law, and no one was thrilled about the situation.

According to The Sun, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie (a.k.a. the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh) were “not too pleased” when they learned they would be staying under the same roof with Prince Andrew and Fergie.

A royal source reported that the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were not excited about staying “with the Yorks” at Wood Farm, Prince Philip's retirement cottage at Sandringham. The source continued that the Edinburghs were reportedly “relieved” when the Duchess of York “encouraged and cajoled” Prince Andrew out of the festivities.

According to several news outlets, Fergie was instrumental in helping her ex-husband understand why it was not appropriate for him to join the royal family for the vacations after his relationship with alleged Chinese spy Yang Zhenbo was uncovered this month.

King Charles and Queen Camilla, who are close to Ferguson, are said to have turned to the Duchess of York to “literally save Christmas,” as Rebecca English said on the Daily Mail's “Palace Confidential” program.

The royal editor continued that the royal family was “very grateful and appreciative that [Ferguson] said to Andrew, ‘Why don't you take a step back this year and see where the future lies?’”

As for the rest of the celebration, Sandringham is expected to be packed as more than 45 families gather to enjoy the unique royal Christmas tradition. Prince Andrew and Prince Ferguson will not attend, but their eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice, was a last-minute addition to the guest list after her pregnancy forced her to cancel plans to visit her in-laws in Italy.