Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest: Where is Sarah Ferguson amid police investigation and Royal Lodge fallout?

As police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor overnight, attention quickly turned to a familiar figure who was nowhere to be seen.

The whereabouts of his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, remain unclear following the former Duke of York’s arrest by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The former prince has since been released from custody.

Ferguson, who separated from Andrew in 1992 and formally divorced him in 1996, has not appeared publicly since the development. Until earlier this month, the pair — once described by Ferguson as the “happiest divorced couple in the world” — had continued living together at the 31-room Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate, having moved back in together in 2008.

That arrangement ended after King Charles forced Andrew from the property amid renewed scrutiny linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew relocated to Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Ferguson’s movements have been less visible.

According to multiple reports, the 66-year-old is currently in the United Arab Emirates after leaving Royal Lodge.

Hello! magazine reports she is “lying low” in the UAE, where she is believed to have been at the time of Andrew’s arrest, coinciding with his 66th birthday. The publication also reports she “spent a few days with friends in the French Alps” prior to travelling to the region.

It is understood Ferguson has also spent time with her youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie, 35, who has been in the Middle East for work. Eugenie was recently seen attending an art fair in Doha, Qatar, where she continues her role as a director at Hauser and Wirth. The former couple also share Princess Beatrice, 37.

Questions now surround whether Ferguson could face scrutiny herself. According to Page Six, if she returns to the UK, she could be asked to speak with Thames Valley Police. There is no evidence of criminal wrongdoing by Ferguson, but she was referenced in the latest release of Epstein-related files published on January 30.

“The police may have a basis for questioning Sarah Ferguson, as she may be a relevant witness in this case,” a top lawyer told Page Six.

“They may want to ask her some questions. While Sarah Ferguson would not have been in a public office at that time, I don’t know what she knows, and if she has disclosed anything (in emails consistent with her role as an ex-royal and Andrew’s ex-wife).”

Added the insider, “it’s up to police” on what they decide to do “as part of this investigation, they can call upon who they want”.

Ferguson has consistently defended Andrew, including after he lost his royal title in October.

King Charles, however, struck a markedly institutional tone in a public statement following the arrest.

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the King’s statement read following news of Andrew’s arrest on Thursday. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.”

“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.

“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.

“Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all. Charles R.”

For now, as Andrew faces renewed legal uncertainty, Ferguson, who once described their post-divorce arrangement as unusually harmonious, appears to be keeping her distance — geographically and publicly.