Sarah Ferguson is preparing to return to Britain after spending months abroad and largely out of the public eye. The 66-year-old author and former Duchess of York is expected back in the UK shortly, according to reports. She is reportedly renting a gated six-bedroom property in the Home Counties, although the exact location has not been disclosed.
Her spokesperson has not publicly confirmed the details of the property or the precise date of her return.
© Chris JacksonFormer Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson is preparing to return to the UK after spending several months abroad.
© WireImageFerguson’s return to Britain will bring her closer to her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
A New Home After Royal Lodge
© Getty ImagesSarah Ferguson previously shared Royal Lodge in Windsor with her former husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
For years, Ferguson shared Royal Lodge in Windsor with her former husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, despite the couple having divorced in 1996.
© Getty ImagesThe former Duchess of York is expected to settle into a private home in the Home Counties.
Since leaving Britain, Ferguson has spent time in Europe, including at an Alpine chalet in Verbier, Switzerland. She has also been reported staying in Austria.
Her expected return follows roughly seven months away from Britain.
Reports say some of Ferguson’s belongings were collected from Andrew’s home on the Sandringham estate this week as preparations for her new living arrangements continued.
© Samir Hussein/WireImageLena Tindall, Zara Tindall and Sarah, Duchess of York, attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023, in Sandringham, Norfolk.
The Home Counties property is reported to have six bedrooms and to be gated. Some reports have also described it as having three bathrooms and a separate granny annexe.
Return Comes After a Turbulent Period
Ferguson’s return follows an especially difficult period in her public life.
© WireImageSarah Ferguson has faced major changes in both her public and private life in recent years.
Her departure from Royal Lodge and time abroad came amid renewed scrutiny of her and Andrew’s past associations with Jeffrey Epstein.
Ferguson has also dealt with serious health problems in recent years. She was treated for breast cancer in 2023 and was subsequently diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, in 2024.
Back in Britain and Closer to Family
Returning to Britain will also place Ferguson closer to her family, including her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
© Getty ImagesSarah Ferguson has remained close to Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie throughout years of change in the royal family.
Ferguson remained in contact with her daughters while she was abroad and has spoken publicly in the past about how much she values being a grandmother.
The move will give her a home of her own following the end of her years at Royal Lodge.
© Getty ImagesThe mother of two has often spoken warmly about her relationship with her daughters and grandchildren.
For now, details about exactly when she will move in and how she plans to divide her time once she is back in Britain have not been publicly confirmed.