PRISCILLA Presley and Riley Keough’s efforts to make peace amid their estate battle were partially fueled by the Duchess of York, a source has claimed.
Sarah Ferguson had allegedly been in touch with Riley, 33, during a recent visit to Los Angeles, and maintained contact with Priscilla after Lisa Marie Presley’s tragic death.
GettyPriscilla Presley and Riley Keough, pictured at a previous event, met up for a private dinner amid reports of a feud[/caption]
GettyLisa Marie Presley reportedly changed her will and left her children in charge of her estate, which includes Graceland[/caption]
The author, who was married to controversial royal Prince Andrew, was long-term friends with Lisa Marie, even speaking at her memorial in January.
The Duchess wanted to help “pave the way for peace between the two women and reached out to aid the path of communication,” an insider told The U.S. Sun.
Fergie’s efforts are understood to have aided a “detente” between Priscilla and granddaughter Riley, who allegedly fell out amid a legal case over ownership of Lisa Marie’s estate.
The news also comes after musician Navarone Garibaldi, whose father is Priscilla’s ex, film producer Marco Garibaldi, insisted his mom and Riley are on good terms.
The grieving family was reportedly ripped apart when it emerged that Lisa had changed the terms of her will to leave everything to her children, and named Riley and her late son Benjamin as co-executors, replacing Priscilla and former business manager Barry Siegel.
ESTATE BATTLE
Priscilla, 77, recently asked a judge to invalidate the amendment, claiming that she had not been informed of the changes as required by the terms of the trust and suggesting her daughter’s signature could have been forged.
The pair were said to only be in touch through lawyers amid the legal battle, previously reported by The U.S. Sun, and have not been photographed together since.
Fergie told TV producers in LA that she had been in touch with Riley last month and her family in the wake of her loss and after the court case hit the headlines.
The LA-based insider revealed: “Sarah spoke of her love for the Presley family and her desire to speak to Riley and support her in this very very emotional time.
“She has not taken sides but wants the best for the whole family.
“Her view would always be what would be best in Lisa Marie’s heart if she were alive.
“Fergie has a huge heart and sincere hope for peace within her friend’s family after her passing.
“The timing was poignant given that other friends were urging Riley and Priscilla to resolve this matter.”
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Priscilla and Fergie’s reps for comment but did not hear back.
MEMORIAL SPEECH
Fergie has spoken about her close bond with “sissie” Lisa Marie.
At the memorial held at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, Fergie spoke positively about Priscilla and Riley, maintaining impartiality during the tension over the legal drama.
Fergie stated that she would “march forward” with Lisa Marie’s children.
A source revealed that Fergie made it clear “she would be there for the family.”
A London-based Royal insider added: “Fergie understands how wild dramas and heartbreak can be within families.
“She had many of her own during her time as a royal following her divorce, loyalty to Princess Diana, money issues, Prince Andrew scandals, and her bond with the Queen.
“She has weathered many storms and fights in her own experiences, so in many senses, she has great insight into overcoming problems and fallings out.”
REUNION DINNER
Lisa Marie’s half-brother Navarone, 36, claims his mom and Riley are speaking at the moment and the trio even dined together late last month in Beverly Hills.
Asked directly on Instagram if the pair are on speaking terms, he insisted: “Yes they are fine. No feud,” adding: “We did go to dinner, it went great, it’s all good.”
The U.S. Sun can also reveal petitioner Priscilla’s legal team has asked an LA judge to continue the estate case until May, after a hearing was initially planned for April 13.
Priscilla is currently on a speaking tour in the UK, and a fan who saw her at Manchester Opera House on Sunday night shared a number of photographs on Facebook and claimed she opened up about her relationship with Riley.
“She said that she and Riley have not fallen out, and they are very close. She also said she was out having a meal with Riley just the other day before she left to fly to the UK for her tour,” the fan wrote.
“She also said that nothing will happen to Graceland. I only wished I had recorded it so that people could hear it, but I’m sorry I didn’t.
“I hope people will now stop saying nasty things about Priscilla. She is human just like we all are.
“Leave her alone and let her enjoy whatever yrs she has left please (sic).”
The Mega AgencyFergie, 61, had been friends with Lisa Marie Presley for years and spoke at her memorial[/caption]
Priscilla and Lisa Marie with actor Austin Butler at the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards just days before Lisa’s deathRexAFPActress Riley Keough has not spoken openly about the ongoing estate battle[/caption]
