Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, is actively planning for a new, independent life as the countdown begins for her and ex-husband Prince Andrew to vacate their long-time home, Royal Lodge in Windsor. This move follows the disgraced Duke of York being stripped of his royal titles and military affiliations at the end of October 2025.
The Search for a New Base
Contrary to earlier speculation, Sarah Ferguson will not be joining Prince Andrew at a smaller property on the Sandringham estate in the New Year. Reports that she would move into a converted annexe on her daughter Princess Beatrice's Cotswolds property or to a home in Portugal owned by Princess Eugenie have been firmly denied.
Instead, sources close to Fergie confirm she is house hunting in the Windsor area, seeking to establish her own residence. A source told The Times: "She wants to stay in the UK, ideally in the Windsor area, and she wants to have her own base so that she can live independently and continue to pursue many things as Sarah Ferguson."
Financial Fallout and the Royal Lodge Lease
The impending eviction is entangled in significant financial and procedural scrutiny. Prince Andrew was forced to surrender the lease on the 30-room Windsor mansion following revelations about his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He gave the minimum 12 months' notice on October 30, 2025, meaning he and Sarah could technically remain at Royal Lodge until October 2026.
However, the situation is complicated by the property's condition. While ending the tenancy early could have entitled Andrew to compensation of £488,342.21, the Crown Estate has indicated this is unlikely. An inspection on November 12 found the extent of required repairs and dilapidations would probably negate any payout. A full assessment will be made after they vacate the property.
Broader Scrutiny and Public Accountability
The arrangement has triggered a wider investigation. The Public Accounts Committee, the powerful public spending watchdog, demanded answers from the Treasury and the Crown Estate after it emerged Andrew had paid only a 'peppercorn rent' for the lavish property for the past two decades.
Profits from the Crown Estate go to the Treasury for public spending, raising questions about whether taxpayers lost out. In response, Crown Estate chief executive Dan Labbad provided details of the property arrangements, prompting the committee to launch a broader probe into leases granted for other royal homes.
The coming months will see Sarah Ferguson establishing a new household separate from the royal fold, while Prince Andrew faces a stark downsizing and a continued reckoning over his past actions and privileges.
