Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, is now confronting a hard deadline to vacate her long-time residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor. The 66-year-old author, who lost her duchess title following her divorce from Prince Andrew, must find a new home by January 31, as per the directive from King Charles III.
The End of an Era at Royal Lodge
This significant move stems from King Charles's decision to strip Prince Andrew of his royal patronages and military titles. The monarch also requested the surrender of the lease on Royal Lodge, the 30-room mansion where Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have lived for decades. This action comes amid continued public scrutiny over Andrew's past association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
A source close to Ferguson told PEOPLE magazine that she has been quietly preparing for this transition. "She's looking for a place in Windsor," the insider revealed, emphasising her desire to remain in the area she has called home for so long. Staying in Windsor would allow her to be within driving distance of her two daughters, Princess Beatrice, 37, and Princess Eugenie, 35.
A Search for Independence and Proximity to Family
The search for a new home has gained fresh urgency with the looming deadline. Ferguson's spokesman confirmed she has been "assessing a number of options," but no final decision has been made. Recent speculation suggesting she might move into a converted barn on Princess Beatrice's Cotswolds property or relocate to Portugal with Princess Eugenie has been firmly denied.
Instead, Ferguson is determined to build her next chapter independently. A second source earlier indicated to PEOPLE that she intends to "move forward independently" and has not requested any special accommodation or property from the royal family. This underscores her aim to establish a life on her own terms.
Separate Paths for Andrew and Ferguson
While Ferguson focuses on finding a home in Windsor, Prince Andrew, 65, is preparing for his own relocation. He is expected to move to a smaller property on the King's Sandringham estate in Norfolk, which is nearly a three-hour drive from Windsor. This physical separation marks a new phase for the former couple.
The departure from Royal Lodge carries deep emotional weight for the family. The residence has been the backdrop for numerous personal milestones, including Princess Eugenie's evening wedding reception in 2018 and Princess Beatrice's intimate Windsor wedding in 2020. However, the future of the lodge had been under question for years, particularly amid reports that rent had not been paid on the property for over two decades.
As the January deadline approaches, all eyes are on Sarah Ferguson's next move, which symbolises a major personal and royal transition.
