The final chapter at Royal Lodge is being written for the Duke of York and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, with their living situation under the microscope ahead of a forced departure from the 30-room Windsor mansion.
A House Divided
Insiders have revealed that despite residing under the same roof, Andrew and Sarah Ferguson are leading largely separate lives within the vast property. The divorced couple, who have maintained an unusually close relationship since their 1996 separation, are reportedly living at opposite ends and on different wings of Royal Lodge.
An insider told The Sun, "Andrew and Sarah are leading separate lives — at different ends and on different wings. But they come together quite often for lunch and dinner, and this is where they talk about their futures. They have been heard having some pretty intense conversations about what is going on."
The Impending Eviction
The couple is set to leave the residence after Christmas, marking the end of an era that began when Andrew moved into the property in 2004. Their tenure has been controversial, with the pair facing significant public criticism for paying a 'peppercorn' rent for the 30-room mansion over two decades.
The eviction comes amid continued fallout from Andrew's association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual assault made by Virginia Giuffre, which he continues to deny.
Separate Paths Forward
Their futures are now taking distinctly different paths. King Charles has agreed to fund Andrew's move from his private finances, with the Duke understood to be relocating to the private Sandringham Estate.
In contrast, Sarah Ferguson has been left to make her own living arrangements. The insider revealed Fergie is "panicking about what comes next" and is "not in a good place," prompting her sister, Jane, to fly in from Australia to offer support.
Reports suggest the desperate former royal might consider leaving the UK entirely. A source told MailOnline that Sarah has "nowhere else to turn," adding: "She's always rather lived on the hoof and aside from her children and grandchildren, there's not a lot to keep her here. Put it this way, the invitations have dried up overnight."
Royal expert Phil Dampier, writing for Woman's Day, suggested Australia could be a potential destination, noting: "Sarah's sister Jane recently came over to comfort her, and she has suggested she could always move to be near her in Australia. Fergie has always loved Oz and Aussies, and some still like her."
