Senior members of the Royal Family are reportedly experiencing significant anxiety over the wellbeing of the Duke of York and Sarah, Duchess of York, as the couple faces an unprecedented fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
A Dramatic Fall from Grace
The disgraced Duke, Prince Andrew, has been stripped of all his royal and military patronages. In a further blow, both he and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, are set to be evicted from their long-term residence, the 30-bedroom Royal Lodge mansion on the Windsor Estate.
The couple's troubles stem from their associations with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has faced specific and damaging allegations from Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was forced to have sex with him on three occasions when she was 17 years old. Andrew has vehemently denied these allegations.
For her part, Fergie faced intense criticism after leaked emails revealed she had referred to the paedophile financier as a "supreme friend". The fallout has been severe, with Fergie losing her connections to several charities.
Family Fears for Mental Health
Despite the firm actions taken by the monarchy, which included King Charles removing his brother's title of Prince, there is said to be genuine concern within the family for the pair's state of mind.
Renowned royal author Robert Jobson has claimed that the immense pressure on the ex-couple has led to worries about their mental health. When questioned by The Sun about how Andrew and Fergie were coping, Jobson stated, "Not very well, I don’t think. I believe even members of the Royal family who have taken action are concerned about both their mental health."
He was quick to add, however, that the primary focus should remain on the victims of the Epstein scandal, calling them the "biggest worry."
Ongoing Repercussions and Future Threats
The scandal continues to have consequences. Reports indicate that the City of London Corporation is holding crisis talks to strip Andrew of his last remaining honour: the Freedom of the City of London. This ancient privilege, held by many celebrities, traditionally grants the holder the right to herd sheep across Tower Bridge and carry a ceremonial sword.
Meanwhile, the Palace is reportedly on high alert over fears that Fergie could "go rogue". It is alleged that television networks from the US and the Gulf have offered her six-figure sums for a tell-all interview about the Royals and her ex-husband.
A royal insider expressed concern, saying, "There's a danger of her going rogue and saying things that could cause embarrassment for King Charles and Queen Camilla, or other members of the family."
While Andrew is expected to be moved to a private residence on the Sandringham Estate, Fergie has been informed she must make her own living arrangements after they leave Royal Lodge following the Christmas period.
