Sarah Ferguson is in the middle of another difficult chapter as she tries to rebuild her life after losing many of the privileges that once came with her royal status. She has worked for years to steady her public image, yet questions about her past contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein still follow her.
Now, the legal crisis surrounding her ex-husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is making that effort even harder. His recent arrest, along with Epstein-related material released by the U.S. Department of Justice, has kept the scandal going. As the situation continues to play out, someone close to Sarah says the strain has been real.
Sarah Ferguson “always thinks she can bounce back”
Friends say Sarah has always believed she could recover from even the most damaging controversies. “She always thinks she can bounce back,” a friend tells PEOPLE. “But this isn’t something that can blow over.”
Sarah has stayed largely out of sight since King Charles removed Andrew’s royal title in October 2025 as scrutiny around his Epstein ties intensified. According to the same insider, Andrew’s February arrest has only made the situation heavier behind the scenes.
“This has really hit her,” the friend says.
Andrew Lownie, author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, says Sarah, who has not appeared publicly for months and is believed to be staying abroad, “will find it very hard to come back.”
Reportedly, Sarah has spent time at luxury wellness retreats in Switzerland and Ireland in recent months while keeping a low profile.
Meanwhile, investigators continue examining Andrew’s case, and some observers have wondered whether Sarah could eventually be asked to assist authorities.
Attorney George Kampanella told PEOPLE that former spouses are not automatically shielded from police inquiries.
“English law does not provide a blanket ‘spousal privilege’ in the way some assume from TV legal dramas. There is no general protection that allows a spouse, or former spouse, to refuse even to be questioned by police.”
TELL US – DO YOU THINK SARAH CAN BOUNCE BACK THIS TIME?
