Former Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, is currently residing in a secluded chalet in the Austrian Alps, where she has maintained a notably low profile over recent months. The 66-year-old royal has been largely absent from public events, with the last sighting of her occurring in December 2025 during the christening of her granddaughter, Athena, the second child of Princess Beatrice.
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Reports from British publication The Sun, as well as confirmation from PEOPLE, indicate that Ferguson has found solace in the tranquil alpine retreat, which offers a peaceful environment away from the public eye. Photographs released recently show Ferguson casually dressed in a blue jacket and white baseball cap, suggesting a relaxed approach to her time away.
Ferguson’s public life has seen a significant decline since September 2025, when she attended the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, alongside her ex-husband, Prince Andrew. Their appearance at the royal funeral marked a rare moment of visibility for the former couple, who divorced in 1996 but have remained on amicable terms. Notably, they were absent from the celebratory afterparty at a London pub following the christening of Athena, indicating their preference for privacy.
The current situation surrounding Prince Andrew has cast a shadow over Ferguson’s public presence. In February 2026, the Duke of York was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, a scandal that has made headlines internationally. The arrest marked a considerable escalation in the scrutiny faced by Andrew, who has previously been embroiled in controversy due to his connections with the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Ferguson’s time in the Austrian Alps serves as a stark contrast to the turmoil surrounding her ex-husband. A source has mentioned the serene beauty of the location, highlighting it as an ideal retreat for public figures seeking to evade media attention during difficult times. It has been reported that despite speculation about her travels — including visits to friends in Ireland and Switzerland and time spent at the home of Priscilla Presley — Ferguson has remained in the same location throughout this ordeal.
The former royal’s withdrawal from the public arena has been characterised by a desire to reflect and plan her next moves. Following Andrew’s diminishing royal status and the couple’s relocation from their longtime residence at Royal Lodge, Ferguson has been contemplating potential long-term living arrangements, with Windsor being a possibility.
Ferguson’s title, the Duchess of York, was lost when King Charles stripped Andrew of his royal honours in October 2025. This change marked a significant shift in the couple’s standing within the royal family and led to further scrutiny of their past actions and connections.
The recent developments involving Prince Andrew have undoubtedly influenced Ferguson’s decision to retreat from public life. She has been described as keeping an incredibly low profile during these turbulent times, opting for a life far removed from the scrutiny of royal duties and media attention.
With the ongoing legal issues faced by her ex-husband and her own re-evaluation of personal circumstances, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Sarah Ferguson. As she enjoys her time in the Alps, many observers will be keenly monitoring her next steps and any potential return to the public sphere. The royal family, once a fixture in the eyes of the public, now finds itself navigating an uncharted and turbulent landscape.