LONDON: Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, is reportedly considering a return to Britain after spending several months living in Europe following her departure from Royal Lodge.
Ferguson has been away from the UK for much of the year, but reports suggest she may now be preparing for a significant change in her living arrangements. Her reported new residence is said to cost about £10,000 a month and includes three bathrooms as well as a separate granny annexe.
Royal editor Emily Nash has suggested that several factors could be influencing Ferguson’s reported decision to return to Britain.
One significant development was the death in July of her longtime friend and former partner, motorsport businessman Paddy McNally. Reports have suggested that Ferguson may have benefited from his estate. McNally had reportedly permitted her to stay at his property in Switzerland while she was living abroad.
Family could also be playing an important role in Ferguson’s plans. She recently became a grandmother for the third time after Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank welcomed their daughter, Adelaide. Although the couple live in Portugal, they frequently return to the UK. Ferguson’s elder daughter, Princess Beatrice, also has children.
Speaking on HELLO!’s A Right Royal Podcast, Nash suggested that being closer to her grandchildren could be an important consideration. She questioned how long Ferguson could realistically remain away from Britain.
Ferguson’s move away from Royal Lodge followed changes involving her former husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Despite divorcing in 1996, the former couple continued living at the Windsor property for roughly two decades and once described themselves as the “happiest divorced couple” in the world.
Their shared arrangement eventually ended when they were required to leave Royal Lodge. Andrew subsequently moved to Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate, while Ferguson began looking for alternative accommodation.
Nash also raised questions about whether Ferguson could possess information relevant to the continuing scrutiny surrounding Andrew. She suggested that people investigating him could be interested in what Ferguson may know and whether she has spoken with those involved in the inquiries.
