Is Sarah Ferguson Next? Ex-Duchess Allegedly 'Hiding' Abroad Following Andrew's Arrest

Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, has withdrawn from public life and is understood to be spending time abroad following the arrest of her ex-husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The development has intensified scrutiny of Ferguson's past links to Jeffrey Epstein and raised renewed questions over her future role and prospects, both in Britain and overseas.

Sarah Ferguson Keeps Low Profile After Andrew's Arrest

Thames Valley Police confirmed on Wednesday that officers had arrested 'a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office' and were carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The force did not name the suspect, in line with national guidance, but multiple UK outlets have identified him as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew.

'The man remains in police custody at this time,' a police spokesperson said. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright added: 'Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office... We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.'

It is the first time Andrew, who has long faced questions over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has been formally arrested.

By contrast, Ferguson, 66, has not appeared in public since 25 September 2025, when she was photographed leaving Royal Lodge in Windsor, the former couple's long-time home. The pair divorced in 1996 but continued to live together for many years, with Ferguson once describing them as the 'happiest divorced couple in the world.'

Reports in recent weeks suggest Ferguson has spent time with friends in the French Alps and later in the United Arab Emirates. She has also been visiting her younger daughter, Princess Eugenie, 35, who has been in Doha, Qatar, working at a high-end contemporary art fair in her role as a director at international gallery Hauser & Wirth.

Her absence from the UK coincides with renewed controversy over private emails showing her in continued contact with Epstein after his release from prison. The correspondence, reported by theMail, indicates she repeatedly sought financial help to pay off debts and maintained close contact with him despite publicly distancing herself.

In one message, she referred to Epstein as a 'steadfast, generous and supreme friend.' Other material cited by the Mail suggests she took Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie to lunch with Epstein five days after his release, and later apologised to him for criticising him in public, saying she had done so to protect her career.

Future For Sarah Ferguson Unclear As Royal Fallout Widens

Sources quoted in UK media say Ferguson has told friends: 'I need to get back to work. I need money,' reflecting long-standing concerns about her finances. Her commercial ventures and charity work have come under pressure amid the latest disclosures.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail that Ferguson 'has no future at all' in Britain, claiming 'no charity would touch her' and warning 'a great deal more will come out.' He said she 'should be extremely concerned' about the material already in the public domain.

The scandal has reportedly left Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie 'aghast' and 'embarrassed' by their mother's emails and by images linked to Epstein's circle. Sources close to the sisters also told the Mail they were 'appalled' by photographs showing their father at Epstein's New York mansion.

King Charles issued a statement expressing 'the deepest concern' over the allegation against his brother and offering 'wholehearted support and co-operation' to the police. 'Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,' he said, adding that it would not be right to comment further while the investigation is under way. The Prince and Princess of Wales are understood to support the King's position.

Some royal watchers believe Ferguson may now look increasingly to the Middle East for work and patronage. Royal author Andrew Lownie, whose book Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York examines the couple's downfall, told the Mail he believed wealthy figures in Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar were likely already supporting her.

'In Britain neither Sarah or Andrew will be socially accepted again whatever they try to do or wherever they go,' he said. 'But in the Middle East no one will care about what they have got up to... even if she doesn't have her title of the Duchess of York anymore, she will still be seen as royalty and treated as such.'

For now, Ferguson's exact whereabouts remain unclear, and any attempt at a public or professional return is likely to be constrained by the continuing police investigation and the unresolved questions over her relationship with Epstein.