Despite enduring a notorious divorce nearly three decades ago, Prince Andrew and his former spouse, Sarah Ferguson, continue to cohabit in the Royal Lodge, a property owned by the monarchy, generating intrigue and speculation in the midst of royal family drama. While many of his royal kin, including King Charles, have distanced themselves from the scandal-ridden prince, Sarah Ferguson has remained unwaveringly by his side.
Prince Andrew, largely ostracized and reliant on his $27,000-a-year navy pension, is grappling with the realities of his slim professional prospects and the upkeep of the 30-room mansion. “Andrew is financially dependent on Sarah!" a senior palace courtier reveals.
Sarah Ferguson, also known as Fergie, has assumed the role of financial supporter since Prince Andrew lost his public funding following his controversial involvement in an underage sex scandal. The courtier adds that Sarah has been supplementing their income by selling her provocative romance novels, "It is undoubtedly the strangest relationship in the royal family’s complex narrative."
Prince Andrew's scandalous decline stemmed from his association with American convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. His subsequent financial settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who accused the Duke of York of sexually assaulting her when she was underage, marked his fall from grace. Though he denies the accusations, he reportedly paid approximately $12 million to settle the civil lawsuit.
Fergie, mother to their daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, has remained steadfast in her support for the man she calls the “love of her life." The pair first crossed paths when Fergie, a youthful farm girl and daughter of Prince Charles' polo team manager, Major Ronald Ferguson, was reintroduced to Prince Andrew at the age of 25 in 1985. They married swiftly the following year.
The couple's tumultuous relationship weathered the strain of Prince Andrew's naval career, and scandalous images of Fergie with her financial advisor led to their eventual divorce in 1996. However, the couple's cohabitation has spurred rumors of possible remarriage, which Fergie has dismissed, stating their happiness with the status quo.
Unapologetically fond of her ex-spouse, Fergie shares, “The love I had for him then is the love I still have for him. I married the best and greatest gentleman I know.” She also credits their divorce as providing her the freedom to pursue her professional interests without royal constraints.
Despite the tumultuous waves of scandal and financial challenges, Fergie proclaims, "We are a united family," attributing their resilience to communication, compromise, and compassion. However, palace insiders express concern that Andrew's reliance on Fergie's unwavering support may mirror his relationship with his late mother, Queen Elizabeth, with one source noting, “Andrew is a mama’s boy. Sarah’s doing the same. He can do no wrong in her eyes. Andrew depends on that. Frankly, he can’t live without her.”