'Fragile' Sarah Ferguson 'seen' laying low at wellness retreat following Andrew arrest as 'pensive' Eugenie 'spotted'
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last week
Sarah Ferguson has reportedly retreated to a secluded Irish wellness resort as she keeps a low profile in the aftermath of ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s dramatic arrest.
The former Duchess of York is understood to have travelled between several overseas locations in recent weeks, including Switzerland and the UAE, as scrutiny surrounding the Epstein scandal intensified, culminating in Andrew’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office last week.
Sarah Ferguson ‘spotted’ at Irish wellness retreat amid Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal
According to reports, Ferguson was recently spotted arriving near the Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa in Donegal. The remote retreat is known for its privacy and isolation.
A royal source claimed the duchess deliberately chose locations where she could remain out of sight while deciding her next steps.
“Last time Sarah visited Donegal she spoke about how it was somewhere she could escape to when things were ‘overwhelming’,” the insider told the Daily Mail. “They can’t ever have been more overwhelming for her than they have been in recent weeks.”
Ferguson herself previously spoke warmly about the restorative effect of visits to Donegal.
During a 2024 social media video filmed on a nearby beach, she told followers she travelled there to reconnect with nature and find calm.
“It’s great to be in the wind and just getting fresh air on my face,” she said at the time. The royal added that fresh air and quiet surroundings could “do wonders” during difficult periods.
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Ireland has long held personal significance for the duchess. Following her divorce from Andrew in the 1990s, she credited the country with helping her rebuild her confidence, once saying: “Ireland gave me back my life.”
Sources say Ferguson has been moving discreetly between retreats since leaving the UK. Friends have described her as emotionally “fragile” following the escalating scandal surrounding her former husband.
‘Pensive’ Princess Eugenie sighting
Since rumours Fergie was with Princess Eugenie abroad, the youngest York sister has since been spotted in London, contradicting the rumour.
Eugenie was first spotted grabbing coffee on Tuesday with her hubby Jack Brooksbank and seemed fairly laid back despite the ongoing turbulence amongst The Firm.
However, she has since been sighted again. This time, her disposition seemed more tense, as per reports.
A source told People that Eugenie “was chatting away with someone she knows and seemed very relaxed,” on Tuesday. “It was all very casual.” They added that the princess was “laughing and joking. She looked happy and at ease—not like someone trying to hide.”
But since then, a rather different description of the royal has been shared.
Eugenie was seen on February 26, again in London, this time, seemingly grabbing a bite to eat from Joe & The Juice, as per People.
Her outing on Thursday appeared more “pensive,” the outlet claimed.
And on this occasion, the princess appeared to be trying to lay low, rocking shades and a palette of darker hues.
She reportedly wore a dark pussybow blouse and pants, a grey jacket and wore her hair in an updo.
Altogether, it sounds like she appeared much more serious.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last Thursday at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate. He was questioned for 11 hours before being released under investigation.
Police confirmed a man in his sixties from Norfolk had been detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Meanwhile, searches were carried out at addresses in Norfolk and Berkshire.
The investigation follows allegations that confidential information may have been shared with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his time as the UK’s trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
Andrew has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
The arrest has placed renewed pressure on Ferguson. Her own association with Epstein has recently resurfaced following newly released files.
Royal author Andrew Lownie suggested the duchess may ultimately relocate abroad permanently.
“In Britain neither Sarah nor Andrew will be socially accepted again,” he explained. “But in the Middle East no one will care.”
Sarah Ferguson’s ‘threat’ to the royal family
Meanwhile, speculation has grown over Ferguson’s financial future.
Commentators have suggested that publishers and streaming companies could offer “a king’s ransom” for a memoir detailing her experiences within the royal family.
Journalist Amanda Platell called the former Duchess a “very dangerous woman”.
“The biggest threat to the monarchy is surely that a penniless, homeless Fergie is scheming to spill her royal sob story,” Platell told Women’s Day. “Why, she must be thinking, shouldn’t she ‘do a Harry’ and expose the secrets of the family she’s known for decades?”
However, for now, insiders say Ferguson’s priority remains recovery and privacy.
Sarah Ferguson’s representatives have been contacted for comment.
Read more: Moment Sarah Ferguson walked out of TV interview over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal
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