Sarah Ferguson: Former duchess plots next move as close source reveals she ‘needs the money’

Sarah Ferguson has resurfaced after months out of public view, and now a source close to the former duchess has revealed she may be plotting a million dollar television series on her life.

The 66-year-old has largely stayed out of sight since September, when she was last seen alongside former husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and members of the Royal Family at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral.

Since then, the fallout from her historical association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has continued to generate controversy, with Ms Ferguson strongly denying any wrongdoing.

The former royal is reportedly staying at an exclusive ski chalet in Austria, where nightly stays can cost up to $3,769, prompting questions over how the former Duchess of York has been funding a luxury lifestyle while keeping a low profile.

Now, Ms Ferguson is reportedly in talks with television producers about a documentary on her life, with one bid estimated to be worth $2.4 million.

A source told The Mirror that Ms Ferguson is torn between protecting her daughters and the need for money.

“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,” they said.

“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.”

Her absence from public life has coincided with renewed attention on her relationship with Epstein, following the emergence of an email in which she apologised to him for publicly distancing herself and described him as a “supreme friend.”

The correspondence was reportedly sent after Epstein’s conviction, contradicting previous claims she had cut ties.

The ongoing scrutiny has had tangible consequences, with several charitable partnerships reportedly severed and the release of an upcoming children’s book quietly abandoned.

The Mirror reported that Ms Ferguson’s commercial prospects have also been impacted, raising further questions about how she has been able to maintain access to high-end accommodation while facing reputational challenges.

Royal commentator Duncan Larcombe claimed Ferguson has long relied on wealthy connections for support. “She’s just the queen of freebies,” he said.

“She’s lived off the back of wealthy friends and donors, including Jeffrey Epstein for the best part of her adult life and I’m not entirely surprised at all that she’s been photographed staying at £2,000 a night chalet, once again being a freeloader.”

Mr Larcombe added that it was not surprising she had found a discreet location abroad.

“She loves a ski resort and she has a long list of people who would be potentially helping her. But it’s incredible that she’s managed to stay hidden for seven months.”