Sarah Ferguson spotted in Austria after months in hiding amid renewed scrutiny over Jeffrey Epstein links

Sarah Ferguson has resurfaced after months out of public view, with fresh scrutiny surrounding her links to Jeffrey Epstein and questions over how the former Duchess of York has been funding a luxury lifestyle while keeping a low profile.

The 66-year-old has largely stayed out of sight since September, when she was last seen alongside former husband Prince Andrew 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 Epstein has continued to generate controversy, with Ferguson strongly denying any wrongdoing.

Now, the former royal has reportedly been located at an exclusive ski chalet in Austria, where nightly stays can cost up to £2000 ($A3,769). She was seen attempting to avoid attention, wearing a baseball cap and tinted glasses as she exited a blacked-out vehicle.

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 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.”

Further revelations contained in documents released by US authorities have continued to raise questions about the extent of Ferguson’s contact with Epstein over the years. The files suggest communication between the pair continued longer than previously acknowledged, although appearing in the material is not itself evidence of wrongdoing.

Friends of Ferguson have reportedly said she is reluctant to return to either the United Kingdom or the United States amid ongoing scrutiny. One source said she feels increasingly isolated as the controversy continues.

“Sarah is living in fear right now. She’s not immune to everything that is happening. She realises how serious everything is, and she is not coping with it,” the friend said.

Reports suggest Ferguson has been moving between locations in recent months, with claims she may have stayed in Switzerland, Ireland and the Middle East while attempting to keep her whereabouts private.

“Sarah has made it clear to those around her she will never set foot in America again,” another source said.

While her next move remains unclear, questions persist over how the Duchess will navigate ongoing scrutiny and whether she will eventually return to public life.