Paddy McNally, a veteran Formula One manager and former partner of Sarah Ferguson, has passed away at the age of 88. McNally’s death occurred on 21 July and was reported to be due to a long-term illness. His passing comes shortly after the unexpected death of his eldest son, Sean, in Scotland, further deepening the family’s sorrow.
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McNally was a prominent figure in the motorsport world, known for his contributions as a driver and journalist before ascending to a management role within Formula One. In 1983, he established Allsport Management SA, a company dedicated to providing corporate hospitality and advertising at various F1 events. He maintained the role of chief executive until his retirement in 2011, having sold the company five years earlier. McNally was once recognised as the 248th richest individual in the UK, with a reported fortune of nearly $800 million, according to the Sunday Times’ Rich List.
Sarah Ferguson, now 66, was in a relationship with McNally from 1982 to 1985, which came to an end shortly before her marriage to Prince Andrew. At the time of their romance, McNally was a widower with two sons from a previous marriage, Sean and Rollo. The couple maintained an amicable relationship post-split, and Ferguson would often take her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, to McNally’s ski chalets in Verbier, Switzerland, for family holidays.
After her marriage to Andrew, Ferguson became the Duchess of York, and together they had two daughters. However, the couple divorced in 1996. Despite the end of their marriage, Ferguson and Andrew continued to share a close bond, living together at Royal Lodge for over two decades after their separation. Circumstances surrounding their relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, who gained notoriety for his criminal activities, resulted in significant scrutiny for both parties.
Ferguson has recently faced challenges arising from this scrutiny, as well as ongoing issues in her personal life. Following the fallout from Epstein’s dealings, she faced a loss of royal titles and privilege. Although she was mentioned in correspondence released from Epstein’s files, she is not implicated in any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, allegations against Prince Andrew are still unfolding, with legal actions related to accusations of misconduct.
Amidst these personal tribulations, it is reported that Ferguson intends to pursue a more independent life. She has been largely out of the public eye, although she was photographed in the Austrian mountains earlier this year. Sources close to her suggest that she is taking time to focus on her family amid these challenges.
While 2026 has seen Ferguson maintaining a low profile, she has continued to stay connected with her daughters. There is, however, a glimmer of joy on the horizon for the family, as Princess Eugenie is expecting her third child. Eugenie, 36, and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, are already parents to two young sons, which should bring a sense of hope and excitement amidst the family’s recent hardships.
Friends close to Ferguson describe her as resilient but acknowledge that this recent loss has affected her deeply. “This has really hit her,” a source shared, indicating that Ferguson is grappling with how to navigate the ongoing tumult in both her personal life and the broader family situation.
As the Ferguson family prepares for this new chapter with the impending arrival of a new member, sentiments of both sorrow and anticipation fill the air. This juxtaposition reflects the complex nature of their experiences and the significant transitions they continue to undergo.