Sarah Ferguson’s continued loyalty to her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, has been a subject of intense public scrutiny, particularly in light of his numerous scandals. Now, as the Royal Family distances itself further from the disgraced Duke of York, the question arises: does Ferguson still believe in Andrew’s innocence?
Ferguson and Andrew married in 1986, but separated in 1992. Despite the divorce, they maintained a close relationship, even cohabitating at Royal Lodge until recently. The Royal Family’s decision to move Andrew to a private residence marks a significant shift, raising questions about the future of their bond.
Adding to the turmoil, Ferguson has also lost her Duchess of York title, though she had ceased using it professionally years ago. Reports suggest she is considering a move to Portugal, where her daughter Eugenie resides, amid backlash over her financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein, from whom she allegedly borrowed substantial sums.
The Shifting Dynamics
The key question is whether Ferguson’s loyalty remains unwavering. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond suggests that any distancing on Ferguson’s part could signal a change in her perception of Andrew.
“I am surprised that it seems Sarah and Andrew are now going their separate ways. I thought they were joined at the hip, even though no longer in a romantic relationship,” Bond stated. “Sarah has always been so fiercely loyal to Andrew, defending him even in the face of the most sordid allegations. Perhaps she no longer believes him, or perhaps Andrew now wants to be on his own.”
A History of Loyalty
For over a decade, Ferguson has publicly defended Andrew, even as Virginia Giuffre, a key accuser, came forward with allegations of sex trafficking involving the Duke of York. Giuffre, who died in April, claimed she was trafficked to Andrew three times when she was 17.
Despite these allegations, Ferguson has remained steadfast in her support. Her potential move to Portugal, where she could be closer to her daughter, has sparked speculation about whether she is finally distancing herself.
Financial Ties and Past Affiliations
The scrutiny extends to Ferguson’s financial dealings with Jeffrey Epstein. A 2011 email revealed that she still considered Epstein a “supreme friend,” despite publicly denouncing him after his sex trafficking conviction. Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on further charges.
This history raises questions about the depth of Ferguson’s loyalty and whether her past affiliations cloud her judgment.
A Complex Relationship
Despite the scandal, Ferguson and Andrew have maintained a unified family dynamic, raising their daughters together despite their divorce. According to Bond, “Whatever else you say about Sarah and, indeed Andrew, they have been good parents who have somehow created a very strong and unified household despite their divorce.”
However, the Royal Family’s move to distance itself from Andrew suggests that even familial bonds may not be enough to shield him from the consequences of his actions.
Conclusion
The future of Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew’s relationship remains uncertain. While she has historically been fiercely loyal, the shifting dynamics within the Royal Family and her own financial ties to Epstein raise doubts about her continued support. Whether she still believes in Andrew’s innocence is a question only she can answer, but the evidence suggests that even a lifelong friendship may be strained beyond repair
