The recent arrest of former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has drawn significant public attention, but his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, has remained out of sight. Reports indicate that the former Duchess of York sought refuge at the exclusive Paracelsus Recovery Clinic in Zurich, Switzerland, a sanctuary known for its exorbitant fees and clientele. Her retreat began shortly after Christmas 2024, coinciding with renewed scrutiny surrounding her past associations with the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Ferguson’s absence from the public eye raised questions as the scandal surrounding Epstein resurfaced. She was last seen at her granddaughter Athena’s christening on December 12, 2024, at St. James’s Palace. According to the Daily Mail, Ferguson checked into the Paracelsus Recovery Clinic, which charges approximately £13,000 per day, just after Christmas and remained there until late January 2025. A source close to Ferguson described the clinic as a place where she feels “at home,” receiving care from a team of health professionals.
The Paracelsus Recovery Clinic is renowned for its high-profile clients and offers customized treatment programs that can reach costs of £350,000 for a month-long stay. Despite her known financial struggles, Ferguson’s extended time at this lavish retreat has raised eyebrows. Some insiders speculate she may have been accommodated at no charge due to her relationship with the clinic, which she has publicly endorsed on social media.
In a promotional video featuring Jan Gerber, the clinic’s founder, Ferguson expressed gratitude for the mental health support she received. Her endorsement has sparked further outrage as critics question the appropriateness of her luxurious lifestyle in light of her financial difficulties and the surrounding scandal. Comments on social media have ranged from disbelief at her spending habits to outright condemnation of her perceived lack of accountability regarding her past associations.
After her time at the clinic, Ferguson did not return to the UK but instead began what sources describe as a “sofa-surfing” existence. She is reportedly moving between various luxury residences while accompanying her daughters, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, on their travels. This includes attending Art Basel in Doha, vacationing in Palm Beach, and visiting ski resorts in France. Insiders have noted her concern about being photographed, indicating she is taking extensive measures to avoid media attention.
As public interest in her whereabouts continues to grow, many have expressed outrage over her choice of retreat during a time of crisis for her family. One social media user remarked, “Spending £13,000 a day is obscene under the circumstances,” while another questioned who finances her luxurious lifestyle.
The fallout from Andrew’s arrest has also prompted discussions about Ferguson’s future. Documents released by the US Justice Department have highlighted her ongoing relationship with Epstein, adding another layer of complexity to her public image. According to royal biographer Andrew Lownie, Ferguson may find new financial backing in the Middle East, where her past scandals are less scrutinized. He suggests that powerful figures willing to overlook her history may provide the support she needs to re-establish herself.
While Ferguson’s future in the UK remains uncertain, her status as a figure of interest persists. The public’s reaction to her retreat and subsequent lifestyle choices will likely influence any potential return to royal duties or public life. As the story unfolds, many are left wondering how this chapter will impact her legacy and standing within the royal family.
