Sarah Ferguson revealed why she still lives with Andrew despite being divorced for decades
Following the shocking announcement that King Charles III has stripped Prince Andrew of his Prince title, many royal watchers are now asking the same question: what does this mean for his former wife, Sarah Ferguson?
The King’s decision, made public on October 30, formally removed Andrew’s titles of Prince, Duke of York, and his HRH status — effectively ending his public royal role.
This move follows years of controversy surrounding Andrew’s friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations from Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was abused by Andrew while underage. Though Andrew has denied the claims, the scandal has deeply affected both him and his family.
Alongside the title removal, Andrew has also been ordered to vacate Royal Lodge, the Windsor residence he has shared with Sarah Ferguson for two decades.
What Happens to Sarah Ferguson’s Title?
When Andrew was stripped of his titles on October 17, Sarah Ferguson also lost her remaining royal styling. She originally became Her Royal Highness The Duchessof York upon marrying Prince Andrew in 1986. However, following their separation in 1992 and divorce in 1996, she retained the courtesy title Sarah, Duchess of York as a divorced royal.
Now, with Andrew’s royal status revoked, Sarah must officially use her personal name — Sarah Ferguson — in all areas of her life. Professionally, this change will make little difference, as she has long gone by that name in her public work.
Earlier this month, she reflected this update online by changing her Twitter handle from @SarahTheDuchess to @sarahMFergie15.
Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, however, will continue to use their royal titles. As granddaughters of Queen Elizabeth II, their Princess styling remains intact.
Where Will Sarah Ferguson Live Now?
Another major question surrounds Ferguson’s living arrangements. Having shared Royal Lodge with Andrew since 2008 — decades after their divorce — she now faces eviction alongside him.
Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement: “Formal notice has today been served to surrender the lease. The move will take place as soon as practicable.”
Reports suggest that Andrew will relocate to a smaller residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. However, Sarah Ferguson will not be given a new royal home.
According to royal commentator Russell Myers, “Andrew will be given a residence on the royal Sandringham estate in Norfolk. He’s been banished from Windsor. Sarah Ferguson, we understand, was asking for a royal residence as well, but she will no longer have any within Windsor. She will have to fend for herself. It’s very much that Andrew and Fergie have been exiled from this affair.”
While some rumors suggested she was eyeing Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor grounds, these claims have reportedly been denied. The Palace has confirmed that Sarah will not receive housing assistance from King Charles and must make her own arrangements.
A New Chapter for Fergie
As both Andrew and Sarah prepare to leave Royal Lodge, it marks the end of an era for the former couple, who continued to live together amicably long after their divorce. While Beatrice and Eugenie remain protected from the scandal, their parents now face a very different future — one far removed from the royal circles they once occupied.
For now, all eyes are on Sarah Ferguson as she decides her next steps — and where she’ll make her new home beyond the walls of Windsor.
