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Sarah Ferguson May Not Follow Andrew to Sandringham — 'She's Ready To Spread Her Wings'

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, attends the Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St George's Chapel (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Karwai Tang)
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, attends the Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St George's Chapel (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Karwai Tang)
Jan. 16 2026, Published 01:45 AM. ET
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Sarah Ferguson appears to finally be drawing an essential line to a long and complicated chapter of her life. At the same time, plans move forward for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s exit from Royal Lodge, but, shockingly, those close to the former Duchess of York say she has no intention of following him and is instead preparing for a reset and a fresh chapter of her own.

Sarah, Duchess of York, arrives at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle before the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle . (Image Source: Getty Images | Gareth Fuller)
Sarah, Duchess of York, arrives at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle before the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle (Image Source: Getty Images | Gareth Fuller)

According to sources, Mountbatten-Windsor is expected to relocate to Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate. Ferguson, however, will not be joining him. While she has stood by her former husband for years, insiders say the move has marked a turning point. “Andrew and Sarah have to move out by January 25,” a source told HELLO!. “She has stood by him all these years but is now ready to spread her wings.”

That decision, sources suggest, is about her own independence. “She won't be moving in with him to the new house on the Sandringham Estate,” the insider added. Despite long-standing assumptions that Fergusson might stay close to Mountbatten-Windsor or lean on her daughters during the transition, neither option appears to be on the table.

Sarah Ferguson attends the Perfect World Foundation's Honorary Conservation Award red carpet on September 05, 2024, in Gothenburg, Sweden. (Image Source: Getty Images | Julia Reinhart)
Sarah Ferguson attends the Perfect World Foundation's Honorary Conservation Award red carpet on September 05, 2024, in Gothenburg, Sweden (Image Source: Getty Images | Julia Reinhart)

“She won't be moving into Beatrice's Cotswolds home, though,” the source continued. “Eugenie's home in Portugal is a contender while she finds somewhere.” Even so, reports indicate that neither daughter’s home will become a permanent base. Insiders have also dismissed the idea of Fergie relocating to Portugal full-time or settling into a so-called “granny annexe” near Beatrice’s property. Instead, it is believed she is actively searching for a private residence of her own. “Sarah is still very upset at everything that has happened,” the source said, pointing to the cumulative toll of recent years.

That strain has been visible. Sarah’s public standing took a significant hit after it emerged that she had written to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, referring to him as a “supreme friend.” The revelation led to several charities cutting ties with her, further shrinking her public role and support system.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson attend day 4 of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson attend day 4 of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse (Image Source: Getty Images | Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Meanwhile, Mountbatten-Windsor’s world has narrowed. “Andrew has stopped getting newspapers or reading anything. He's in his own bubble,” the source said, although adding that “the girls do see him.” While the former Duke of York prepares for his next move, Fergusson’s path appears to be heading in a different direction altogether. On the other hand, preparations are well underway at Marsh Farm. The Norfolk property, located roughly two miles from Sandringham House, has been unoccupied for several years and requires extensive work before it can be lived in. Recent activity in there, however, suggests the transformation is gathering pace.

Workers have erected a two-meter wooden barrier around parts of the property to provide privacy. Onlookers reported visible movement inside the house, including lights switched on upstairs and people going in and out of the main building. Construction equipment has also been seen operating on the grounds, with laborers moving between the house and an adjacent outbuilding. According to The Sun, the estate is being readied specifically for Andrew’s arrival. Marsh Farm’s proximity to the King’s Norfolk residence has only heightened interest in the move, which follows Mountbatten-Windsor being compelled to vacate Royal Lodge in Windsor — his longtime home.

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