Sarah Ferguson ‘Lying Low’ in UAE as Andrew Faces Probe – Where Are the Royals Now?

As Prince Andrew faces scrutiny following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, appears to be maintaining a distance from the unfolding situation. While the Duke of York has returned to Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, Ferguson, 66, is reportedly “lying low” in the United Arab Emirates, according to multiple reports.

The shift in location comes after Ferguson and Andrew lived together at Royal Lodge in Windsor for years, even after their divorce in 1996. Andrew was recently evicted from the residence at the beginning of February. The timing of Ferguson’s departure suggests a deliberate effort to avoid public attention as her ex-husband deals with the legal ramifications of the investigation.

Before arriving in the UAE, Ferguson reportedly spent a few days with friends in the French Alps. Her current location is a marked contrast to Andrew’s, who is now cooperating with police at Sandringham. The couple’s differing approaches to the crisis highlight the complex dynamic between them, even after decades of separation.

Ferguson’s presence in the UAE isn’t solely a matter of avoiding the spotlight. She has also been spending time with her youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie, 35, who is in the region for work. Eugenie is currently involved with Hauser and Wirth, an art dealership, and recently attended an art fair in Doha, Qatar, in her capacity as a director.

The situation is further complicated by Ferguson’s past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The recent release of Epstein files on January 30 has brought renewed attention to her interactions with him, including emails where she repeatedly sought financial assistance and brought her daughters to his home. These revelations have raised concerns about potential questioning by authorities should she return to the UK.

A legal expert, speaking to Page Six, suggested that police may have grounds to question Ferguson, even though she wasn’t in a public office at the time of the alleged misconduct. “The police may have a basis for questioning Sarah Ferguson [as] she may be a relevant witness in this case,” the lawyer stated. “They may want to ask her some questions…it’s up to police” to decide who to call upon “as part of this investigation.”

Despite the potential for legal scrutiny, Ferguson has historically been a staunch defender of Andrew, remaining supportive even after he lost his royal title in October. This loyalty, however, may now be tested as the investigation progresses and further details emerge.

King Charles III has publicly stated his support for a thorough investigation into his brother’s conduct. In a statement released following Andrew’s arrest, the King emphasized the importance of due process and affirmed his family’s cooperation with the authorities. “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the statement read. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.”

The King continued, “In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”

The arrest of Prince Andrew and the subsequent actions of those around him, including Sarah Ferguson, represent a significant moment for the British Royal Family. The unfolding situation is likely to have lasting implications for the individuals involved and for the monarchy’s public image. Ferguson’s decision to remain abroad, while understandable given the circumstances, adds another layer of complexity to an already fraught situation. Whether she will return to the UK to address potential questions from authorities remains to be seen, but her current location suggests a desire to distance herself from the immediate fallout of her ex-husband’s arrest.

Princess Beatrice, the other daughter of Andrew and Ferguson, reportedly has a complex relationship with her father and did not see him last Christmas, indicating a potential rift within the family. This adds another dimension to the narrative, highlighting the personal toll the scandal is taking on those closest to the Duke of York.