Home / The Wales Family

Andrew’s Surprising Demand Leaves Sarah 'Lonely' During Their Last Days at Royal Lodge

Sources say the former couple are living separate lives as Sarah battles loneliness and the mounting fears over her future.

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and Sarah Ferguson attend day 4 of Royal Ascot. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images| Max Mumby/Indigo)
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and Sarah Ferguson attend day 4 of Royal Ascot. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images| Max Mumby/Indigo)

The atmosphere inside Royal Lodge is tense. Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's departure from Royal Lodge is expected to happen sometime early next year, as the Palace continues distancing itself from the Epstein scandal. As the disgraced former Duke prepares for his forced exit from the Windsor estate he has called home for over two decades, insiders say he has issued an unexpected demand to the one person who has stood beside him through every crisis: Sarah FergusonSarah Ferguson and Andrew Mountbatten Windsor at China Tang. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images |  Niki Nikolova)

Sarah Ferguson and Andrew Mountbatten Windsor at China Tang. (Image Source: Getty Images | Niki Nikolova)

The pair have long been known for their unusual post-divorce closeness. But now, according to the Express, a source claimed Ferguson is “so angry with Andrew that he’s demanded she be kept away from him, which is upsetting her even more.” Mountbatten Windsor has made it clear that he doesn’t want Fergie anywhere near him. For Ferguson, who has maintained a united front with Mountbatten Windsor, despite divorcing years ago, the sudden cold shoulder appears to have left her adrift and heartbroken. 

The former Duchess has allegedly been feeling 'very lonely' inside the Estate, despite technically sharing it with her former husband. “She’s been isolating herself within the Lodge, begging staffers to stay longer because she’s so lonely,” the source explained. The staff, it seems, have become her emotional lifeline as her household becomes less of a sanctuary and more of a waiting room for an uncertain future.

Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Tim Clayton
Sarah Ferguson is watching Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in action against Fabio Fognini of Italy in the first round of the Gentlemen's Singles Competition. (Image Source: Getty Images | Tim Clayton)

More than one source has described similar accounts. In a recent interview with Sky News, royal commentator Kinsey Schofield’s co-host, Jonathan Sullivan, discussed Ferguson’s final stretch at Royal Lodge, suggesting that the atmosphere inside the Estate has taken on an almost theatrical level of melancholy. “We know that Andrew and Fergie are still in the house, and some of the details, you know, it’s a little bit Greek tragedy… especially when it comes to Fergie,” he said. 

Sullivan also talked about how Ferguson’s sense of self has been tied to the life she built there. “I think that her identity was tied up in being Duchess of York… and the loss of it allegedly just devastated her,” he noted. He added that coping has taken a complicated turn as she increasingly leans on the people around her within the household. “She’s really been hitting the bar and she’s expecting the staff to kind of commiserate with her,” he said.

Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew at the Virgin London Marathon in 2010.
Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew at the Virgin London Marathon in 2010. (Image Source: Getty Images | Indigo)

One insider also told The Sun, “Andrew and Sarah are leading separate lives – at different ends and on different wings.” Their encounters, when they do happen, revolve around shared meals where talk of the future hangs over the table." Even those conversations, the source said, have been tense and laden with anxiety. “They come together quite often for lunch and dinner, and this is where they talk about their futures. They have been heard having some pretty intense conversations about what is going on.” For Ferguson, the looming change appears even more destabilizing. “Sarah, in particular, is panicking about what comes next, and she is not in a good place,” the insider added. 

GET BREAKING ROYAL NEWS
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

More Stories

Charles is reportedly open to discussions with Harry about his potential role in the family, which is reportedly making William fume.
By Mary Anthony · AUG 17, 2026
Earlier this month, Princess Charlotte was spotted enjoying the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with William, Kate and her brothers.
By Medha Sengupta · AUG 17, 2026
Prince William is one of the most popular royals, but one particular critique has refused to leave his back.
By Ira Deokule · AUG 15, 2026
Royal protocol forbids Prince William and Kate Middleton from a lot of things, but this one particular rule is totally shocking.
By Ira Deokule · AUG 14, 2026
Princess Anne doesn't want Prince William, Princess Kate, and their kids to feel isolated.
By Mehak Walia · AUG 14, 2026
Princess Charlotte and her cousin are proving that behind the formal appearances, royal childhoods are still full of fun.
By Mehak Walia · AUG 14, 2026
The less-seen royal was promoted from Viscount Severn to the Earl of Wessex after his father became the Duke of Edinburgh in 2023.
By Mary Anthony · AUG 13, 2026
Prince Harry and Kate's relationship has undergone significant changes despite once being an unshakable bond.
By Mary Anthony · AUG 13, 2026
The royal family is undergoing a major revamp, and two of their very important members are now being tipped for better roles.
By Medha Sengupta · AUG 13, 2026
Who does Princess Kate turn to when the cameras stop rolling? It isn’t who most people expect.
By Mehak Walia · AUG 13, 2026