Sarah Ferguson ‘distraught’ her hiding place was leaked but issues defiant message

The former Duchess of York has been staying in a chalet in Austria

Sarah Ferguson
arah Ferguson’s hiding place was revealed last week (Image: Rocco Spaziani/Archivio Spaziani/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)

Sarah Ferguson is reportedly “distraught” that her hiding place was leaked last week, it has been revealed. The former Duchess of York was photographed for the first time in seven months last week outside a ski chalet in Austria.

It is believed the chalet, which reportedly costs £2k-a-night, is where Sarah has been keeping a low profile over recent months following her appearance in the Epstein files. While appearing in the Epstein files does not indicate wrongdoing, the files did show that Sarah had stayed in touch with the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein after he was first sentenced for child sex offences. In the wake of the revelations, several organisations cut ties with the former duchess.

While Sarah herself has not made any comment since she was photographed last week, it is believed she is “distraught” that the world now knows where she is, especially as she wanted to remain anonymous.

A source close to her said she’s “distraught” that her location has been leaked, adding: “But this will not change anything, she’s stronger than she looks and will not be forced to face the music just yet.”

It is understood Sarah, despite now being aware that the media could be watching her every move, has no plans to leave the Austrian chalet yet.

Instead, reports suggest that she is spending her time reflecting and thinking about her next moves. There are fears that this could involve TV interviews, with some reports suggesting she has already rejected an interview with BBC Newsnight.

Sarah Ferguson
The former duchess has been in hiding (Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage)

However, other reports have said that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s ex wife is reportedly open to doing an interview for the right price.

A source told The Mirror: “Sarah knows she needs the money and she’s open to the right television opportunity, but she’s also very aware of the tightrope she’s walking.

“Her daughters are part of the Royal Family, and anything she does reflects on them.

“There’s a real sense she wants, in fact needs, to tell her side of the story, but she knows it has to be handled carefully. She can’t ignore the reality of how this looks, especially given Andrew’s close relationship with the paedophile.”