Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, has faced a dramatic financial collapse after decades of mounting debt, failed ventures, and public scandal that have left her struggling with millions of pounds owed.
The latest crisis intensified after a leaked 2011 email in which she apologized to and praised convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, triggering charities to sever ties and cutting off major income streams.
Fergie’s financial woes are not new; reports indicate her debts once approached nearly £5 million, raising fears in royal circles of her potential bankruptcy. Her lifestyle, which included extravagant dinners likened to those of Henry VIII and frequent use of private jets, has been unsustainable, forcing her to sell valuable assets like a £4.2 million Belgravia townhouse to meet expenses.
Major costs include the upkeep of Royal Lodge, a Grade II-listed residence she shares with ex-husband Prince Andrew. Maintenance, security, and operational costs for the property run into millions annually, further draining her finances.
Attempts to stabilize her income through business ventures have largely failed. Her U.S.-based lifestyle company Hartmoor collapsed, leaving significant debts. While she has had some success as a spokesperson and author, these earnings pale compared to her financial obligations.
The financial downturn reflects the broader challenges of royals without official state funding who must balance public expectations with private financial realities. Despite previous bailouts from the late Queen Elizabeth II, Sarah Ferguson’s current predicament is dire, raising questions about the support structures for extended royals.