Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has reportedly made a surprising demand regarding her future living arrangements — one that could stir up more royal tension.
A New Home Near Windsor
In discussions with Palace officials, Fergie is said to have expressed interest in moving into Adelaide Cottage, a residence close to Windsor Castle that is currently home to Prince William and Princess Kate. According to reports, she believes she should be granted another royal residence if she and Prince Andrew vacate Royal Lodge.
The duchess, who has continued living with her ex-husband at Royal Lodge since 2008, allegedly feels she deserves her own royal property to spend her later years in peace. Despite stepping away from royal duties after her divorce, she reportedly feels “short-changed” by her settlement, especially compared to the one Princess Diana received.
“Sarah Has Said She Wants Adelaide Cottage”
As quoted by The Mirror, a royal insider claimed, “Incredibly, Sarah has said she wants Adelaide Cottage. Sarah and Andy have lived together at Royal Lodge since 2008 despite being divorced and seen like they are still a married couple.”
The source went on to add, “It’s incredible that they are willing to go their own separate ways. But it indicates that they have been under immense strain this year and need a break from one another. It’s a fresh start for both.”
Two Homes, One Problem
Reports also suggest that Prince Andrew has asked to move into Frogmore Cottage — the former Windsor residence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. However, requests for two separate royal homes are said to be causing friction within the Palace.
A royal insider noted that such demands are unlikely to sit well with King Charles.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail: “If they think that having two homes — which the King I’m sure won’t agree to — is likely to solve things, they’re still living in a rather weird fantasy world. I’m surprised that Sarah Ferguson has managed these comebacks. There’s no comeback now, she’s in disgrace.”
“Out of Touch with Reality”
Fitzwilliams further commented, “There’s no reason at all that she should have her own Crown Estate home. This is an idea that Andrew has had to give up the 30-room Royal Lodge. Well, let’s have two. I don’t see it working. If it was adopted, there’d be outrage… she’s not been a working royal since 1996 — the idea that she should get anything on the Crown Estate… it doesn’t matter what she wants, she is getting out of touch with reality as he has so obviously been.”
A Troubled Past
Prince Andrew has been attempting to move on from years of controversy, including allegations that he sexually abused Virginia Giuffre. The Duke has denied all claims but relinquished his titles and public duties ahead of the release of Giuffre’s posthumous memoir.
Meanwhile, Sarah Ferguson has also faced backlash following the resurfacing of a 2011 email in which she referred to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as her “supreme friend” and appeared to apologize for previously criticizing him. In the wake of this revelation, several charities have dropped her as a patron or ambassador.
As the debate over royal residences continues, one thing is clear — both Andrew and Sarah’s reputations remain under intense scrutiny, and their future within the royal fold appears increasingly uncertain.
