ANDREW & FERGIE’S PAST: 11 MAJOR SCANDALS AND CONTROVERSIES ON RECORD

Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly Duke of York) and Sarah Ferguson have been linked to numerous public controversies spanning decades. Below is a factual overview of 11 significant issues drawn from court records, media investigations, official statements, and verified reporting. These events have contributed to their enduring reputational challenges, despite denials and settlements in several cases.

Virginia Giuffre’s Allegations Against Andrew Virginia Giuffre alleged in civil court filings that she was trafficked to Andrew by Jeffrey Epstein when she was a teenager, claiming encounters in London, New York, and on Epstein’s island between 2001 and 2002. Andrew has consistently denied the allegations. The civil case settled out of court in February 2022 for an undisclosed sum (widely reported as millions). Following the settlement, he was stripped of military titles, royal patronages, and public funding in January 2022.
Sarah Ferguson’s Financial Ties to Epstein Emails obtained by the Mail on Sunday revealed that Epstein provided financial support to Ferguson over approximately 15 years, far exceeding her initial public acknowledgment of a $20,000–$30,000 loan. Reports indicated repeated requests for money, with Epstein eventually cutting off contact due to frustration. Ferguson later expressed regret over any association.
1992 Toe-Sucking Photographs While still legally married to Andrew, Ferguson was photographed topless on holiday in Saint-Tropez with financial adviser John Bryan, who was seen sucking her toes. The images, published by the Daily Mirror, caused widespread embarrassment and became a defining tabloid moment of the early 1990s royal scandals.
2010 Cash-for-Access Sting Ferguson was secretly filmed by an undercover News of the World reporter offering access to Prince Andrew in exchange for £500,000. She accepted a $40,000 cash down payment and stated the payment would “open doors.” She later said Andrew knew nothing of the incident and cited financial pressure. The footage damaged her reputation significantly.
Sunninghill Park Property Sale (2007) Andrew sold his former marital home, Sunninghill Park, to Kazakh businessman Timur Kulibayev (son-in-law of Kazakhstan’s then-president) for £15 million—£3 million above the asking price. The overpayment raised suspicions of influence or indirect benefit. Andrew’s office also reportedly attempted to facilitate another deal for Kulibayev. No wrongdoing was proven, but the transaction drew scrutiny from The Guardian and others.
Andrew’s “Air Miles Andy” Travel (2005–2019) Andrew earned the nickname “Air Miles Andy” for extensive use of private jets, helicopters, and luxury travel, much of it funded by public money or sponsors. Reports highlighted repeated high-cost trips, prompting questions about accountability and entitlement.
Turkish Orphanage Documentary Incident (2008) While filming a documentary for ITV, Ferguson entered a Turkish orphanage under false pretenses and was accused of violating the privacy of five children. Turkish authorities issued an extradition request (later rejected by the UK). The case was dropped in 2019 but added to perceptions of poor judgment.
Staff Treatment Allegations Former royal butler Paul Burrell and other ex-staff described frequent clashes with Ferguson, including tension, frustration, and a lack of respect in the household. Separate reports claimed Andrew required staff to arrange his teddy bear collection precisely and handle personal items in ways that caused discomfort or upset.
Ghislaine Maxwell’s Claims About Ferguson In interviews with US authorities, Maxwell alleged Ferguson had a personal interest in Epstein, felt sidelined by him, and celebrated his release from prison. Maxwell claimed Ferguson visited Epstein in New York with gifts for her daughters and sought charity help. These remain allegations on the public record.
Andrew’s Association with Adrian Gleave (2025) Court documents from October 2025 linked Andrew to businessman Adrian Gleave, connected to a collapsed firm accused of pension misselling. Records showed Andrew received approximately £8,000 in payments. No criminal charges resulted, but the association renewed criticism of his judgment.
Alleged Behaviour Abroad Multiple former associates and reports alleged incidents during Andrew’s overseas trips (e.g., Thailand and Hong Kong) involving entertaining large numbers of women over short periods. No formal charges were brought, but these contributed to a long-standing reputation for excess and poor boundaries.

These incidents, drawn from public records, court filings, media investigations, and official statements, illustrate a pattern of controversy that has persisted despite denials, settlements, and efforts at rehabilitation. The couple’s post-divorce closeness has often been cited amid these events.

Sources:

Court filings and settlements (Virginia Giuffre case, 2022)
Mail on Sunday (Epstein financial support emails)
Daily Mirror (1992 photographs)
News of the World (2010 sting footage)
The Guardian (Sunninghill Park sale)
BBC, The Times (title/patronage removal, travel reports)
ITV documentary coverage (Turkish orphanage)
Paul Burrell’s accounts (staff treatment)
US court interviews (Maxwell claims)
October 2025 court documents (Gleave association)