Key facts
- Sarah Ferguson is reportedly returning to the UK after relocating to a Swiss chalet.
- Her return comes amid the fallout from her friendship with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
- Ferguson is expected to move into a new home in the home counties.
- She previously lived with ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at Royal Lodge.
- Ferguson faced calls to speak to US authorities about Epstein.
- Emails published in September 2023 showed Ferguson describing Epstein as her "supreme friend".
Sarah Ferguson is reportedly preparing to return to the United Kingdom after a period of living in a Swiss chalet, amidst the ongoing repercussions of her association with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The former Duchess of York, 66, is said to be renting a six-bedroom gated property in the home counties.
Ferguson had been residing out of the public eye in a Swiss Alpine chalet in Verbier since vacating Royal Lodge, the former home she shared with ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Her belongings were reportedly collected from Andrew's current residence on the King's Sandringham estate this week.
The scandal surrounding Ferguson and Prince Andrew's relationship with Epstein has had significant consequences. Both lost their royal titles last year. Emails published in September 2023 revealed Ferguson describing Epstein as her "supreme friend" and apologizing for "letting him down," despite previously calling her association with him "a gigantic error of judgment." These messages were sent shortly after she had stated she would "never have anything to do with [Epstein] again."
Ferguson also lost her courtesy royal divorcee title and the freedom of the city of York. Thousands of copies of her latest children's book were withdrawn from sale. Her international charity, Sarah's Trust, announced its closure, and several charities revoked her patronage due to her Epstein links. Additionally, six companies associated with Ferguson were wound down earlier this year.
Her expected return to the UK follows closely on the heels of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's arrival back in Britain with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who have reportedly been enrolled in a UK school.