Sarah Ferguson is allegedlyreluctant to return to the UKafter ending aseven month absence from public viewin Austria, where photographers spotted the former Duchess of York outside a£2,000 a night chaletlinked to a luxury medical resort.
The 66 year old has largely remained out of British public life since the release of the so called Epstein files, which reportedly showed she stayed in contact with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after his first conviction. According to those reports, the documents included emails in which Ferguson referred to Epstein as a 'legend'. Her appearance in the files has not been presented as evidence of criminal wrongdoing, but the association has caused serious reputational damage.
The latest development unfolded in Altaussee, an Austrian village known more for spa tourism than royal controversy. Ferguson was photographed outside an upmarket chalet near theMayrlife Medical Health Resort, where rooms can cost about £2,000 a night.
According to theExpress, it is believed she has been staying there for some time, using the secluded location to keep a low profile as scrutiny over the Epstein disclosures continues. Its setting, close to a wellness retreat and far from the British press pack, appears to have offered exactly the privacy she needed.
Sarah Ferguson has been FOUND in Austria at a £2,000 a night chalet.#Fergie#RoyalFamilypic.twitter.com/5b52Vhvn9j
That privacy has now been broken. Once the images emerged, attention quickly shifted to what she might do next. There was immediate speculation that she could move again to avoid sustained media interest outside the property.
A source quoted by The Sun suggested otherwise. 'She has no immediate plans to leave. Even though her location has finally been revealed,' the insider said, adding that'the resort has got everything you'd want for a lengthy stay.'
That account suggests the chalet may be more than a temporary stop. It may instead be serving as a longer term refuge while she stays away from the UK spotlight.
The central question now is whether Ferguson is prepared to return home and face renewed public scrutiny. Reports so far suggest she is in no hurry to do that.
It has been claimed that she has received several interview offers since her links to Epstein resurfaced,including an approach fromBBC Newsnight. That detail carries clear symbolism givenPrince Andrew's widely criticised 2019 interviewon the same programme about his own relationship with Epstein.
Source: International Business Times UK
