As the fallout surrounding Prince Andrew and his links to Jeffrey Epstein continues to cast a long shadow over the royal family, a new layer of tension has reportedly emerged behind closed doors — and this time, it centres on Sarah Ferguson.
The Duchess, who has not been seen publicly since December, has seemingly vanished from the spotlight following her departure from Royal Lodge in Windsor — a residence she shared with her ex-husband for nearly two decades. Her current whereabouts remain unclear, fuelling speculation about where she might turn next.
But insiders now claim one option is firmly off the table.
According to sources close to the family, Jack Brooksbank — husband of Princess Eugenie — has drawn a clear line when it comes to his household. Despite the growing pressure and uncertainty surrounding Ferguson, he is reportedly unwilling to allow her to move in with them.
A source explained that while Jack still operates under a personal “code of honour” and would not “completely desert Andrew and Sarah,” he is equally determined not to “step into the line of fire himself.” His priority, the insider added, is protecting his wife and their two young children from further scrutiny.
“The whole sordid affair has already brought them a great deal of unwarranted attention,” the source said, adding that Jack “won’t do anything to increase that.”
Beyond family concerns, there is also a business dimension at play. Jack, who runs a consultancy firm, is said to be deeply wary of the reputational damage the ongoing scandal could bring. One insider revealed he fears his family — and by extension, his business — could become “tainted by association.”
“Jack has worked very hard building his business, and it’s going well,” the source said. “The last thing he needs is for the Epstein scandal to affect that. He will do everything he can to keep his head below the parapet.”
Meanwhile, another insider suggested the reluctance may also be more personal. While Eugenie and her husband are said to care about Ferguson’s wellbeing, they are reportedly resisting any suggestion that she should live with them — even temporarily.
“To be frank, Sarah is difficult to live with,” the source claimed. “They don’t want the responsibility of looking after her at the moment. That’s not to say they’re not concerned — they just don’t want her living under their roof.”
Ferguson’s past connection to Epstein has also resurfaced amid renewed scrutiny, although there is no suggestion of wrongdoing on her part. Still, the ripple effects of the scandal continue to impact those closest to her — including her daughters, who have remained publicly silent.
As the royal family navigates yet another crisis, one thing appears increasingly clear: loyalty may still exist behind palace walls — but so do boundaries.
