Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has broken her silence on her uncertain future as she faces a major housing dilemma and professional chaos in the wake of the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
The Royal Lodge Eviction and a Search for Shelter
King Charles has formally ordered both Prince Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, to vacate their long-term home, the 30-room Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle. This decisive move follows fresh revelations about their continued ties to the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, with leaked emails showing contact lasted longer than previously admitted.
Having resided at the Grade II listed estate for decades despite divorcing almost 30 years ago, the pair have now agreed to surrender the keys. While Andrew is reportedly preparing to relocate to a property on the monarch's private Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, Ferguson's path is less clear, sparking a urgent search for new accommodation as the New Year approaches.
Assessing Options: From 'Cattle Shed' to European Retreat
Contrary to widespread speculation, a spokesman for the Duchess has firmly denied reports she might move into a granny annexe on the estate of her eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice. "She is assessing a number of options currently, and no final decision has been made," the spokesman told PEOPLE magazine.
A source close to Sarah emphasised her independent stance, stating: "Contrary to reports, she has never asked for a property or any provision for herself. She will continue to forge an independent life." A second source added that she is determined to find her own place and "move forward independently."
Among the rumoured options is a transformed outbuilding on Beatrice's Cotswolds estate, previously described as a refurbished "cattle shed" with its own entrance, acting as a potential granny annex. Another possibility is a move to Portugal, where her younger daughter, Princess Eugenie, owns a £3.6 million property within the exclusive CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club—an area frequented by A-list celebrities.
Professional Fallout and a Damning Verdict
The controversy has severely impacted Ferguson's professional life. Her upcoming children's book, 'Flora and Fern: Kindness Along the Way', has allegedly been pulped by her publisher. Originally scheduled for release on 9 October, then delayed to 20 November, it has now been pulled from all publishing schedules and major retailers, with associated author events quietly cancelled.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond offered a stark assessment of the situation. "Any friendship with a man as depraved as Epstein is repulsive. To continue that friendship after he was convicted of sex crimes is indefensible," she told the Mirror.
Bond suggested that both Andrew and Sarah, now in their 60s, are trapped in a cycle of chasing wealth and should now "cut their cloth to suit the money they have." She concluded that while Ferguson has clawed her way back from disgrace before, "this time, however, I cannot see a way back for her," advising a life lived quietly out of the public gaze.
Meanwhile, reports indicate Prince Andrew is making substantial demands for his new Sandringham home, including a requirement for a full staff complement of cook, gardener, housekeeper, driver, and police security, further highlighting the vast gulf between their royal expectations and current reality.
