Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson are considering leaving the U.K. amid ongoing scandal related to Jeffrey Epstein. Increasing pressure has prompted speculation about their future plans, which may involve moving abroad.
Renunciation of Titles Amid Renewed Scrutiny
On October 17, 2025, Prince Andrew announced he would relinquish his Duke of York title and other royal honors. This decision followed renewed scrutiny over his connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew, who stepped back from royal duties in 2019, stated the ongoing allegations distract from King Charles III’s and the royal family’s work. He emphasized his innocence but agreed, after discussions with the King and family, to stop using his titles to protect the monarchy’s reputation.[1][2][3][6]
Sarah Ferguson followed suit, removing her Duchess of York title from social media and official websites, signaling a parallel step back from royal association. Despite their divorce in 1996, the couple co-parent their daughters and formerly shared Royal Lodge as a residence.[4][7]
Departure from Royal Lodge and Private Plans
Prince Andrew has resided at Royal Lodge for 25 years under a lease valid until 2078. However, reports suggest serious consideration is underway for him to leave the property due to the unfavorable optics of a non-working royal occupying a large official residence. Royal biographer Andrew Lownie noted Andrew may seek a low-profile life elsewhere while Sarah Ferguson contemplates relocating to Switzerland after selling her London property.[1][4]
Future Relocation Considerations
Experts indicate that Andrew may move abroad given his reduced royal role, especially with Prince William expected to ascend the throne. Speculated destinations include a palace in Abu Dhabi or Swiss citizenship, both offering privacy and distance from public scrutiny. While Prince Andrew retains legal rights to Royal Lodge due to his lease, public and royal pressures make staying less tenable.[8][4][1]
Aspect
Details
Title Renunciation
Duke of York title and honors renounced October 17, 2025, after consultation with King Charles III
Sarah Ferguson’s Status
Ceased using Duchess of York title publicly, reflecting distancing from royal ties
Residence
Prince Andrew to likely vacate Royal Lodge despite lease until 2078 due to negative public perception
Relocation Possibilities
Possible move abroad to Abu Dhabi or Switzerland for privacy and discretion
Public Role
No longer a working royal; stepped back publicly since 2019; military titles removed since 2022
Sophia Clarke is a senior international journalist with nine years of experience covering global politics, human rights, and international diplomacy.
She earned her M.A. in International Relations and Journalism from the University of Oxford (2016), where she specialized in global governance, conflict reporting, and cross-cultural communication.
Sophia began her career as a foreign correspondent for BBC World Service and later joined The Guardian, where her insightful analyses and on-the-ground reporting from Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America earned her recognition for accuracy and integrity.
Now based in Paris, France, Sophia contributes to Faharas NET, providing comprehensive coverage of diplomatic affairs, humanitarian issues, and policy developments shaping the international landscape. Her storytelling combines investigative depth, journalistic ethics, and a strong commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in global dialogue.
Instyle.com is the website for InStyle magazine, a leading online and formerly print publication that covers fashion, beauty, and celebrity culture. It provides content such as celebrity style, fashion and beauty tips, shopping guides, and news on pop culture. The site focuses on visual content, including photos of celebrity outfits, and offers product recommendations and shopping deals.
Leander Ungeheuer is a technology journalist and contributor with 4 years of experience covering consumer tech, video games, and digital privacy. He is known for hands-on product testing, detailed reviews, and clear, transparent reporting.
He earned his B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin (2020), where he developed a strong foundation in software, hardware, and emerging digital technologies.
Leander specializes in providing insightful analyses of tech products, gaming platforms, and online privacy tools, helping readers make informed decisions in the digital world. His reporting emphasizes transparency, with clear disclosures of review samples, sponsorships, and testing methodologies.
Based in Bangalore, India, he contributes to Faharas NET, producing reviews, comparisons, and digital culture features across tech platforms such as Google, Nvidia, Microsoft, Xbox, Android, Nintendo, and popular social and gaming networks.