Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, has withdrawn from public life and is understood to be spending time abroad following the arrest of her ex-husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The development has intensified scrutiny ofFerguson's past links to Jeffrey Epsteinand raised renewed questions over her future role and prospects, both in Britain and overseas.

Thames Valley Police confirmed on Wednesday that officers had arrested 'a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office' and were carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The force did not name the suspect, in line with national guidance, but multiple UK outlets have identified him as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew.

'The man remains in police custody at this time,' a police spokesperson said. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright added: 'Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office... We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.'

It is the first time Andrew, who has long faced questions over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has been formally arrested.

By contrast, Ferguson, 66, has not appeared in public since 25 September 2025, when she was photographed leavingRoyal Lodge in Windsor, the former couple's long-time home. The pair divorced in 1996 but continued to live together for many years, with Ferguson once describing them as the 'happiest divorced couple in the world.'

Reports in recent weeks suggest Ferguson has spent time with friends in the French Alps and later in the United Arab Emirates. She has also been visiting her younger daughter, Princess Eugenie, 35, who has been in Doha, Qatar, working at a high-end contemporary art fair in her role as a director at international gallery Hauser & Wirth.

Her absence from the UK coincides with renewed controversy overprivate emails showing her in continued contact with Epsteinafter his release from prison. The correspondence, reported by theMail, indicates she repeatedly sought financial help to pay off debts and maintained close contact with him despite publicly distancing herself.

In one message, she referred to Epstein as a 'steadfast, generous and supreme friend.' Other material cited by theMailsuggests she took Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie to lunch with Epstein five days after his release, and later apologised to him for criticising him in public, saying she had done so to protect her career.

Sources quoted in UK media say Ferguson has told friends: 'I need to get back to work. I need money,' reflecting long-standing concerns about her finances. Her commercial ventures and charity work have come under pressure amid the latest disclosures.

Source: International Business Times UK