Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, abruptly concluded an interview after facing inquiries about her potential relocation from the Royal Lodge.
Since 2004, Ferguson, 65, has shared the storied residence, nestled within Windsor Castle’s expansive grounds, with her former spouse, Prince Andrew. However, the ongoing tensions between her ex-husband and King Charles over the estate seem to have rendered the subject taboo. Renowned royal correspondent Richard Mineards hinted at this reluctance, noting Ferguson’s evident discomfort when probed on her living arrangements.
Mineards, a contributor to the Montecito Journal, a publication favored by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, disclosed that Ferguson recently made an appearance on American television to discuss royal matters.
“While others inundated her with trivial questions, I posed a direct inquiry about whether her new contract might enable her to vacate the Royal Lodge—the former residence of the Queen Mother—given her previous assertion that maintaining the homes offered by her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth, was financially unfeasible,” Mineards recounted in his column.
“Her discontent was palpable, and she swiftly exited the room,” he added.
Mineards further revealed that Lord Piers Wedgwood, present during the interaction, deemed the question entirely appropriate, especially given the rumored $620,000 value of Ferguson’s new agreement.
Later that day, at a charity fundraiser hosted by Ferguson and James Ogilvy, the duchess reportedly avoided Mineards, darting to a different section of the venue upon noticing him.
“James inquired about the incident, and after I explained her earlier reaction, he merely rolled his eyes,” Mineards remarked.
Ferguson’s former spouse, Prince Andrew, from whom she divorced in 1996 after a decade of marriage, has been embroiled in a protracted dispute with King Charles concerning the Royal Lodge.
This discord traces back to Andrew’s controversial association with the late Jeffrey Epstein. The rift has only deepened over time, with Charles pressing Andrew to vacate the expansive residence in favor of more modest accommodations.
Despite the monarch’s persistent efforts, Andrew resisted the pressure, culminating in a dramatic twist in late 2024. Reports surfaced that Andrew had secured a mysterious financial benefactor, ensuring that he and Ferguson could retain their claim to the prestigious property.
The development reportedly exacerbated the king’s frustrations, prompting him to order the removal of valuable items from the estate, citing concerns over security and upkeep.
Ferguson and Prince Andrew share two daughters: Princess Eugenie, 34, and Princess Beatrice, 36.
