Sarah Ferguson is returning to England following an extended period away from the public eye, according to multiple media reports. The 66-year-old former Duchess of York will occupy a six-bedroom rental home in the Home Counties near London at an estimated monthly cost of $8,000, The Sun and People reported.
The relocation follows months during which Ferguson maintained a low profile internationally. Earlier in 2026, she reportedly stayed at a wellness facility in Switzerland, according to the Daily Mail, and was later observed at an upscale ski chalet in Austria.
Ferguson's reduced public presence stems from renewed scrutiny of her ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In January, the United States Department of Justice released a collection of documents that included past correspondence in which Ferguson described Epstein in favorable terms. The released emails showed Ferguson calling Epstein a "spectacular and special friend" and "the brother I have always wished for."
Ferguson has previously addressed criticism regarding her association with Epstein, stating she deeply regrets the connection and condemning any form of child abuse. She emphasized that she would never maintain any relationship with Epstein and characterized her past judgment as a significant error.
The timing of Ferguson's homecoming coincides with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's reported decision to relocate to the United Kingdom after six years in the United States. The couple, ages 41 and 45 respectively, are bringing their children—Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5—back across the Atlantic for an extended stay beginning this month. The children are scheduled to begin attending school in the United Kingdom next month.
Multiple outlets reported that the family was expected to arrive in England on Wednesday, August 26. The couple plans to establish a residence outside London rather than in the city itself, while maintaining their properties in Montecito, California, and Portugal. Their British home will not carry any official royal designation.
"Harry is not as happy in the U.S. as he is in the U.K.," a source told Us Weekly, adding that the couple "aim to be somewhere outside of London."
Despite the relocation, Harry and Meghan will not resume formal royal duties. Prince Harry intends to dedicate time to supporting various United Kingdom-based charitable organizations and patronages, while Meghan Markle will continue operating her lifestyle brand, As Ever.
An additional source told Us Weekly that Prince Harry continues to approach professional opportunities with a mindset shaped by royal protocols. The source noted that Harry seeks to avoid following the trajectory of other former royals and remains selective about partnerships, balancing personal values with financial considerations.
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a pop culture junkie and loves to share what's happening in Hollywood and what trends are taking the world by storm.
