Sarah Ferguson is reportedly trying to carve out an independent path after years spent closely tied to her former husband ex-Prince Andrew, according to royal commentators.
The pair continued living together for years after their divorce, with Sarah once describing them as the “happiest divorced couple in the world”. However, reports now suggest the pair’s long-standing alliance has weakened following Andrew’s fall from public life.
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie, author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, claimed the relationship between the pair has become increasingly strained.
He said: “They were kind of joined together, them against the world, and that’s now clearly fractured.
“I think she feels that he’s toxic and that he’s going to destroy her branding opportunities, so it’s time to go off on her own.”
Why has Sarah Ferguson reportedly distanced herself from ex-Prince Andrew?
According to a report by Hello! Royal experts believe Sarah may now be seeking distance from disgraced Andrew as concerns grow over the impact his reputation could have on her own public image.
Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, suggested Sarah’s view of Andrew changed over time.
Speaking to HELLO!, she said: “He embarrassed her with the way he spoke to people, and I think she lost respect for him.
“She is very charming and would never speak down to someone she considered her inferior, but Andrew did, and she hated that. He was very unsophisticated.”
Despite the reported tension, the former couple continued to appear together publicly on occasion over the past year.
When were Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson last seen together?
Andrew and Sarah attended the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, at Westminster Cathedral on 16 September 2025. The occasion marked the last time they were photographed side-by-side in public.
The pair also both attended the christening of their granddaughter Athena, the youngest daughter of Princess Beatrice, at St James’s Palace on 12 December 2025.
For years, their unconventional living arrangement attracted widespread attention after the divorced couple continued sharing Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.
Speaking previously to USA Today, Sarah explained: “We live in the same house, but then, it’s a big house, so that’s ok.
“But I think it’s really good that we believe in compromise and communication and compassion. And family.”
Where is Prince Andrew living now?
In February this year, Andrew reportedly handed over the keys to Royal Lodge before relocating permanently to Marsh Farm on the King’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Royal Lodge held decades of family memories for the York family and was where Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie spent much of their childhood.
The property also became a favourite gathering place for the couple’s grandchildren, who reportedly enjoyed playing in the historic Wendy house gifted to Queen Elizabeth II during her childhood.