Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, is reportedly in a 'deep mess' and temporarily homeless, staying with friends in New York after being evicted from Royal Lodge in Windsor last month. Her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, has moved to Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, with no prospect of her joining him there.
The fallout from her connection to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has worsened following the release of emails by the US Justice Department. These are said to show her referring to Epstein as her 'supreme friend' after his 2009 release from prison. It is noted that being referenced in the files does not constitute evidence of misconduct.
Her situation has led associates and royal commentators to suggest that wealthy contacts would be 'foolish' to enter into business dealings with her. She has been stripped of patron roles at several charities, and eight companies where she served as a director have been dissolved in recent weeks.
The emails reportedly show Sarah seeking Epstein's advice in 2009 regarding £6 million of debt while he was in prison. Author Andrew Lownie said that while she had previously secured 'good' business arrangements, her 'huge problem was the spending' and that she was 'always looking for the quick buck'.
Despite couch-surfing, she is reported to have visited a Swiss spa costing up to £13,000 a day and attended a wellness retreat in Ireland. Meanwhile, according to Hollywood insiders, American publishers have reportedly turned down her proposed memoir, which sought a deal in the region of $2 million (£1.49 million), with some not responding at all.
