Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, has been residing in a private ski chalet in the Austrian Alps since early 2026, following a series of tumultuous events that upended her life. The 66-year-old author and television personality has kept a low profile after being evicted from Royal Lodge, her ex-husband Prince Andrew's arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, and the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files that revealed her extensive correspondence with the disgraced financier.
Fall from Grace: Eviction and Loss of Titles
In October 2025, King Charles III stripped Prince Andrew of his birth title of Prince, Duke of York, and his royal patronages, a move that also cost Ferguson her Duchess of York title. Subsequently, in January 2026, the couple was evicted from the 30-room Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate, where they had lived together for decades despite divorcing in 1996. Andrew was relocated to Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on 3 February 2026, while Ferguson chose to live independently.
Prince Andrew was arrested in February 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office, stemming from allegations that he shared confidential trade information with Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. Ferguson, who had been living with him, was left without a permanent home.
Connections to Jeffrey Epstein
On 30 January 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice released over 3 million pages of investigative materials under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. These documents included email correspondence between Ferguson and Epstein dating back to 2006. According to Sky News, the emails revealed that Ferguson arranged to meet Epstein in Palm Beach in April 2006, thanked him for his kindness in August 2009, and urgently requested a £20,000 loan for rent in October 2009. In July 2009, she asked Epstein to cover commercial flights for herself and her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
More damaging emails included one from January 2010 in which Ferguson called Epstein a legend and declared, 'I am at your service. Just marry me.' In June 2010, she again expressed love and gratitude, playfully suggesting marriage. A September 2010 email showed her asking Epstein when he would employ her. In March 2011, Ferguson apologised for accepting £15,000 from Epstein, and Epstein's publicist drafted a strategy to use her to retract statements. Ferguson also congratulated Epstein on the birth of an alleged baby boy after his release from jail in September 2011, and referred to him as her 'supreme friend' in 2011.
According to the Telegraph UK, Ferguson visited Epstein at least twice during and after his incarceration, including on 4 April 2009 and 13 May 2009. She also visited him with her daughters in July 2009 while he was under house arrest. Ghislaine Maxwell referenced this visit in an email, stating, 'Ferg and the two girls came.'
Retreat to the Austrian Alps
The revelations sparked intense public scrutiny and calls for Ferguson to testify. She stopped making public appearances entirely. According to The US Sun, Ferguson was traced to a private ski chalet in the Austrian Alps in April 2026, having not been seen in public for 213 days. A source told the publication, 'The Epstein files have hit like a sledgehammer, and Sarah has not wanted to be seen by anyone. She’s been effectively in hiding and can’t face up to what’s been happening.'
The source added, 'She’s been laying false breadcrumbs to stop people from following her trail, and very few people were allowed in on the secret... Sarah lost her home when she was evicted from Royal Lodge and has nowhere else to go. She’s not invited to go to Sandringham to live with Andrew, and even her two daughters have kept their distance.'
Recent Updates and Health Battles
As of July 2026, Ferguson has remained in contact with her daughters, ahead of the arrival of her sixth grandchild. A source told People Magazine, 'Sarah is keeping a low profile. She’s staying in contact with her daughters and is awaiting the news of Eugenie’s baby.'
In addition to her legal and personal troubles, Ferguson faced health challenges. In 2023, she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, and in 2024, she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer. She has since undergone treatment and continues to recover.
Ferguson's quiet retreat abroad marks a stark contrast to her previous life as a prominent royal figure. With no clear plans for a return to public life, her next chapter remains uncertain.
