As Prince Andrew faces police custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office, his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson has not been seen publicly for months. The former Duchess of York moved out of Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate last month alongside Andrew, who has vehemently denied any wrongdoing related to his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Thames Valley Police officers arrested Andrew at Sandringham on his 66th birthday and are now conducting searches in Berkshire and Norfolk. This marks the first time in modern history that a senior British royal has been arrested. Meanwhile, speculation surrounds Ferguson's location, with reports suggesting she may have fled overseas.
A source claimed Ferguson previously snuck in and out of Royal Lodge by lying prone on the back seat of a car. Virgin Group denied reports that she had taken refuge at Richard Branson's Necker Island, stating: 'Sir Richard has had no contact with Sarah Ferguson following the release of the Epstein files and, contrary to some media reports, can confirm she is not on Necker Island either.'
Other reports indicate Ferguson visited the Alps before travelling to the United Arab Emirates, where she is allegedly plotting a comeback without Andrew. A source told the Daily Mail that Ferguson has been telling friends, 'I need to get back to work. I need money,' adding, 'When I come back, I am going to have to put some distance between myself and Andrew.'
Royal author Andrew Lownie believes Ferguson may have fled the country altogether, a tactic she has used in past crises. He told the Mirror she is likely 'sponging off a rich pal' and noted it is 'odd' that her daughters, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, are reportedly not hosting her. Lownie speculated that the sisters want to maintain ties with the royal family for their commercial prospects.
