After decades of living behind palace gates and grand doors, Sarah Ferguson is facing a reality few would have imagined for a former duchess: she doesn’t currently have a permanent place to call home.
Friends say the 66-year-old has been left in limbo after moving out of Royal Lodge in Windsor, with no clear next step and limited options from family.
Leaving Royal Lodge and Losing Familiar Ground
For years, Royal Lodge — a sprawling 30-room mansion once home to the Queen Mother — was where Sarah Ferguson and her ex-husband Prince Andrew lived.
That chapter is now closed.
Following the loss of royal titles and accommodation linked to Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein, both were required to vacate the property.
While Andrew has plans, however uncertain, Ferguson’s situation appears far less settled.
Why Moving Back in With Andrew Isn’t Happening
Despite their long-standing arrangement of living separately but amicably, Ferguson is said to have ruled out moving in with Andrew as he prepares to relocate to Norfolk.
According to those close to her, she is keen to remain in the Windsor area and doesn’t want to start over somewhere entirely new — especially alongside her ex-husband.
Daughters Offer Support, but Not a Permanent Home
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are reportedly close to their mother and have offered her places to stay when needed.
Still, neither is in a position to provide long-term accommodation.
Beatrice is settled in the Cotswolds, while Eugenie divides her time between Kensington Palace and a home in Portugal.
Temporary stays are on the table, but a permanent solution isn’t.
A “Housing Crisis” and Lowered Expectations
Friends describe Ferguson as being in the middle of a genuine housing crisis.
After years of royal luxury, she may have to reset her expectations significantly.
One source suggested that finding a home in Windsor is still her hope, but the standard and scale of her next property will be very different from what she’s known for most of her adult life.
Emotional Toll and Mental Health Struggles
The uncertainty has taken a visible emotional toll.
Ferguson has reportedly confided in friends that the situation has been damaging to her mental health.
She is said to be in a fragile state, often overwhelmed and tearful, struggling to come to terms with how dramatically her circumstances have changed.
Andrew’s Uncertain Move to Norfolk
Meanwhile, Andrew’s own future remains shaky.
He is expected to move to Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate, but even that plan appears unsettled.
Security upgrades are still underway, and reports suggest he is unhappy with the arrangements and the suitability of the property for someone of his profile.
Tensions Behind Palace Walls
According to royal insiders, there is ongoing disagreement within the family over Andrew’s relocation.
King Charles is said to be funding extensive renovations at Marsh Farm, yet Andrew has reportedly resisted the move.
Some family members, including Princess Anne and Prince Edward, are said to remain in contact and quietly concerned about his wellbeing.
Security Worries and a Shrinking Support Network
Andrew’s security concerns have added another layer of stress.
A major overhaul is required to make Marsh Farm safe, and his dissatisfaction has fueled speculation that he hoped for Wood Farm instead — the cottage where Prince Philip spent his retirement.
At the same time, Andrew’s social circle has reportedly shrunk, leaving him increasingly isolated.
Strained Family Relationships
The situation has also affected relationships with his daughters.
Beatrice has made visible efforts to maintain contact, recently spending time with her father at Windsor with her daughter Sienna.
Eugenie’s relationship with Andrew appears more strained, with reports suggesting limited contact, particularly following disagreements over his refusal to apologise to Epstein’s victims.
Staff Departures Mark the End of an Era
As Royal Lodge is vacated, long-serving staff members — including household and kitchen staff — are being paid off.
Most are nearing retirement and unwilling to relocate to Norfolk.
When Andrew eventually moves, he is expected to operate with a much smaller, pared-back team.
Living on a Flood Plain Future
Marsh Farm itself comes with practical concerns.
The property sits on low-lying land near the coast, with residents advised to stay alert for flooding risks.
Builders are still at work, meaning Andrew may have to stay temporarily at Sandringham House until renovations are complete.
Ferguson’s Unclear Next Chapter
As for Sarah Ferguson, her future remains uncertain.
Some believe she may spend extended periods in Portugal at Eugenie’s luxury villa in the exclusive CostaTerra resort, where celebrity neighbours and multi-million-pound homes are the norm.
Others think she will continue searching for a base closer to Windsor.
Feeling Targeted and Cut Adrift
Ferguson has reportedly told friends she feels pushed out by senior royals, particularly King Charles and Prince William.
She believes the withdrawal of titles and accommodation has been relentless and deeply personal, leaving her unsure of what lies ahead.
What Comes Next?
For now, both Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew are facing an unfamiliar phase of life marked by downsizing, uncertainty, and emotional strain.
While Andrew prepares for a quieter, more isolated existence in Norfolk, Ferguson is still searching for stability — a permanent place, a sense of security, and a clearer idea of what her future will look like once the dust finally settles.
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