Sarah Ferguson spotted in Austria after months in hiding amid renewed scrutiny over Jeffrey Epstein links
After months out of the public eye, Sarah Ferguson has re-emerged with new scrutiny around her ties to Jeffrey Epstein and questions about how the former Duchess of York financed a lavish lifestyle while keeping a low profile.
The 66-year-old has remained largely out of sight since September, when he was last seen with ex-husband Prince Andrew and members of the Royal Family at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral.
Since then, the fallout from her historical relationship with convicted sex offender Epstein has continued to spark controversy; Ferguson vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Now, the former royal is reportedly based at a private ski chalet in Austria, where overnight stays can cost up to £2,000 ($3,769). He was seen trying to escape attention by wearing a baseball cap and tinted glasses as he got out of a darkened vehicle.
Her absence from public life coincided with renewed interest in her relationship with Epstein, following the emergence of an email in which she apologized to him for publicly distancing him and described him as a “great friend”. The correspondence was reportedly sent after Epstein’s conviction, contradicting claims that he had cut ties with previous allegations.
The ongoing investigation had tangible results; several philanthropic partnerships have reportedly been severed and the publication of an upcoming children’s book has been quietly abandoned.
Mirror Ferguson’s business prospects have also been affected, raising further questions about how he maintains access to high-end accommodation while facing reputational challenges.
Royal commentator Duncan Larcombe claimed Ferguson had long relied on wealthy connections for support. “She’s just the queen of freebies,” he said.
“He has lived off his wealthy friends and donors, including Jeffrey Epstein, for most of his adult life and I am not at all surprised to be photographed once again staying in a £2,000-a-night chalet as a freeloader.”
Mr Larcombe added that it was no surprise that he had found a secret location abroad.
“He loves a ski resort and the list of people who could potentially help him is long. But it’s incredible how he managed to stay hidden for seven months.”
Other revelations in documents released by U.S. authorities have continued to raise questions over the years about the extent of Ferguson’s connection to Epstein. The files suggest that communication between the pair took longer than previously acknowledged, but its inclusion in the material is not in itself evidence of wrongdoing.
Friends of Ferguson reportedly said he was reluctant to return to the UK or the US due to the ongoing investigations. One source said he felt increasingly alone as the argument went on.
“Sarah is living in fear right now. She’s not immune to everything that’s going on. She’s aware of how serious everything is and she can’t deal with it,” the friend said.
Reports suggest that Ferguson has moved between different locations in recent months and may have stayed in Switzerland, Ireland and the Middle East as he tries to keep his whereabouts secret.
“Sarah has made it clear to those around her that she will never set foot in America again,” another source said.
While her next move remains unclear, questions remain about how the Duchess will navigate the ongoing investigations and whether she will eventually return to public life.
