Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, is facing a pivotal moment as she prepares to leave her long-term home, the Royal Lodge in Windsor, by the end of the year. With her departure confirmed, the 66-year-old is now actively searching for a new place to live, a decision shrouded in speculation and personal turmoil.
Options on the Table: From Cotswolds to Continent
A spokesperson for Sarah Ferguson has clarified her current situation, stating she is "assessing a number of options currently, and no final decision has been made." This statement directly refutes recent rumours that she would move into a granny annexe at her eldest daughter Princess Beatrice's Cotswolds property. The representative confirmed that plans to live in an annexe or converted barn at Beatrice's home are "not correct."
Similarly, the possibility of residing with her second daughter, Princess Eugenie, in Portugal has also been ruled out. This leaves the question of Sarah's future address wide open, with experts and insiders suggesting a move abroad could be a strong possibility, potentially to distance herself from the ongoing scandal related to her and ex-husband Prince Andrew's association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Why Switzerland Tops the List of Likely Destinations
Several factors point to Switzerland as a leading contender for Sarah Ferguson's new home. The former Duchess has deep-rooted ties to the country, having previously owned a luxury chalet in the ski resort of Verbier with Prince Andrew. Although the property was sold in December 2022 due to financial pressures, Sarah has frequently expressed her affection for the region.
In a significant move, she even applied for Swiss residency back in 2016. The practicalities also add weight to this theory: Switzerland is just a 90-minute flight from London, allowing her to maintain close contact with her daughters and young grandchildren, a family factor that will be crucial in her decision-making. Other distant family connections, such as her sister Jane Ferguson living in Australia, are considered far less likely due to the geographical separation.
A Life in Crisis: Isolation and a Stalled Future
The search for a new home unfolds against a backdrop of profound personal and professional crisis for Sarah Ferguson. Insiders describe her as "massively on edge" and "shaken to the core" following the very public fallout from the Epstein revelations. The backlash has been severe, with one source revealing, "The phone has stopped ringing overnight." Friends and business associates are reportedly distancing themselves, leaving the former Duchess feeling isolated and blaming herself for the situation.
Royal commentator Jennie Bond has analysed Sarah's predicament, noting her historical financial mismanagement and her tendency to seek wealthy connections. Bond suggests the time has come for Andrew and Fergie to "live a quiet life" to avoid further embarrassment. However, she also expressed deep scepticism about a recovery this time, stating that any attempt to profit from telling her side of the story regarding Epstein would be "indefensible."
As the deadline to vacate the 30-room Royal Lodge approaches, Sarah Ferguson's next address remains a mystery. Whether she seeks solace in a familiar European retreat or chooses another path entirely, her move symbolises a dramatic retreat from public life and the final loss of a royal safety net she once knew.
