Ex-Duchess Allegedly Faces £2m Debt Crisis Revealed

The recent release of files by the US Department of Justice related to Jeffrey Epstein has reignited scrutiny on Sarah Ferguson, the ex-Duchess of York, and Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. These documents suggest a complicated financial relationship between Ferguson and Epstein, contrary to her previous claims of severing ties after Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea.

Financial Entanglements and Debt Crisis

Ferguson has publicly acknowledged accepting £15,000 (approximately $24,000) from Epstein in 2011 to settle outstanding debts. However, new documents indicate that her financial requests to him were more extensive. A 2009 request revealed an urgent need for £20,000 to cover rent, with royal biographer Andrew Lownie estimating that Ferguson’s total financial dependency on Epstein could reach £2 million.

Living Beyond Means

Ferguson’s financial struggles raise questions about how a former royal who lives in a 30-room mansion finds herself $2 million in debt. Her 1996 divorce settlement was significantly less than other royals, receiving only a modest stipend from Queen Elizabeth II.

• Reportedly received an annual stipend of £15,000.
• Had a one-time cash payment and a housing fund.

To uphold her lifestyle on a limited budget, she pursued various commercial ventures, including partnerships with Weight Watchers and writing children’s books. Unfortunately, many of these attempts failed. Her wellness company, Hartmoor LLC, declared bankruptcy in 2009, leaving her with $1 million in debt.

Reputational Damage

In 2010, Ferguson faced further scrutiny after being recorded by an undercover journalist posing as a wealthy businessman. Allegations arose that she offered access to Prince Andrew in exchange for payment, events that led to public embarrassment and significant damage to her reputation. Ferguson later characterized her encounter as a “serious lapse in judgment,” insisting it stemmed from financial distress.

Ferguson’s financial situation has been compounded by her living arrangements. Residing at Royal Lodge, she lived rent-free, though her ex-husband, Andrew, bears the financial responsibility. His royal allowance has since been reduced, intensifying their financial predicament.

Future Uncertain Amidst Debt Crisis

Reports suggest Ferguson may relocate to live with her daughter Princess Beatrice in Oxfordshire. Meanwhile, Ferguson’s charity, Sarah’s Trust, announced plans to close on February 3, 2026, following these revelations. A spokesperson for Ferguson expressed her ongoing condemnation of Epstein, clarifying that her previous communications with him were coerced due to threats of defamation.

Ferguson’s statement emphasized her abhorrence of any form of sexual abuse, reiterating her claim of being misled by Epstein’s deceptive tactics. As discussions surrounding her financial and reputational crisis continue, the public remains captivated by the unfolding drama involving the former royal.