Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, is expected to return to the United Kingdom shortly, according to reports.
Sources indicate that Ferguson is preparing to move into a six-bedroom rented house in the Home Counties, with her return potentially occurring as soon as next week. This development follows a period where she has reportedly been staying at an Alpine chalet in Verbier, Switzerland. Her belongings were recently collected from Royal Lodge, the former residence she shared with Prince Andrew.
Ferguson has maintained a low public profile since losing her titles alongside Prince Andrew after becoming associated with the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The release of millions of documents last year shed new light on her relationship with the convicted sex offender, leading to calls for her to speak with U.S. authorities.
In one disclosed email exchange from 2011, Ferguson appeared to offer a private apology for publicly distancing herself from Epstein, stating, "You have always been a steadfast, generous and supreme friend to me and my family." A spokesperson for Ferguson previously explained this email was sent to prevent Epstein from suing her for defamation. Another email suggested Ferguson took her daughters to visit Epstein in the United States days after his release from prison for child sex crimes. The notes accompanying these emails do not indicate any wrongdoing on Ferguson's part.
Epstein's association also led to Prince Andrew being stripped of his military titles and royal patronages by King Charles III due to "serious lapses of judgment." Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to his friendship with Epstein. Ferguson's courtesy royal divorcee title was revoked, and she reverted to her maiden name. Additionally, the city of York unanimously voted to remove the freedom of the city honor previously bestowed upon her.
Ferguson's anticipated return to the UK comes shortly after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, returned to Britain with their children to begin a new chapter after residing in the United States for six years.