The arrest of Prince Andrew on suspicion of misconduct in public office has prompted questions not only about his future but also about the whereabouts of his former wife, Sarah Ferguson. Whereas Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, has returned to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, specifically Wood Farm, following his arrest on Thursday, February 19, 2026, Ferguson, 66, appears to be outside the United Kingdom, reportedly “lying low” in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to Hello! magazine.
The timing of Ferguson’s absence is notable, as she was believed to be in the UAE at the time of her ex-husband’s arrest. Prior to traveling to the UAE, reports indicate she spent a few days with friends in the French Alps. The arrest stems from allegations related to Andrew’s relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein and centers on claims he shared confidential trade information with the disgraced financier, as reported by ABC News.
Ferguson’s youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie, 35, is also reportedly in the region, continuing her work as a director at art dealer Hauser and Wirth. She was recently seen attending an art fair in Doha, Qatar. The couple also shares Princess Beatrice, 37, who reportedly has a complex relationship with her father and did not visit him last Christmas.
Legal experts suggest Ferguson could be questioned by authorities should she return to the UK. While there is currently no evidence of wrongdoing on her part, her emails with Epstein, revealed in recently released files on January 30, could make her a relevant witness, according to a top lawyer who spoke with Page Six. “The police may have a basis for questioning Sarah Ferguson [as] she may be a relevant witness in this case,” the lawyer stated. “They may aim for to ask her some questions.”
Andrew and Sarah Ferguson lived together at the Royal Lodge in Windsor until Andrew’s eviction last month. Ferguson has consistently defended her ex-husband, even after he was stripped of his royal title in October, a move fully supported by King Charles III, who has welcomed the investigation into his brother’s conduct.
King Charles’ Response and the Investigation
King Charles issued a statement following Andrew’s arrest, emphasizing the importance of due process. “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the statement read. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”
The arrest of Prince Andrew marks a significant escalation in scrutiny surrounding his long-standing association with Jeffrey Epstein. The allegations of misconduct in public office relate to the sharing of confidential information while Andrew served as a UK trade envoy. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet indicated a timeline for potential charges.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on determining whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor misused his position for personal gain or compromised national interests through his interactions with Epstein. The coming weeks will likely reveal further details about the scope of the investigation and the potential implications for all parties involved.
What comes next is a period of intense scrutiny as authorities gather evidence and determine the appropriate course of action. The outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly have lasting consequences for Prince Andrew and the Royal Family.
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