Sarah Ferguson could face police questioning upon UK return, experts say
2026-02-27 11:00:22
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Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, may face renewed scrutiny when she returns to the UK following the arrest of her ex-husband. Prince AndrewAccording to royal experts.
The former prince, now known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, 66, He was arrested on February 19 On suspicion of misconduct in public office as part of an investigation related to his ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He was released 11 hours later. He has not been charged and denies any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, the 66-year-old Duchess of York has kept a low profile in recent months Its current location remains unknown. the British Daily Mail It was reported that Ferguson was last seen leaving Royal Lodge, Andrew’s former 30-room mansion, in September. Despite their divorce in 1996, the couple continued to live at the property.
According to People magazine, the Duchess is said to have planned to spend a few months abroad, leading royal watchers to speculate about what could await her on her wedding day. Return to Britain.
While Ferguson has not been accused of wrongdoing and no arrest warrant has been issued, legal and royal experts told Fox News Digital that her homecoming could still draw new attention to her past ties to Epstein and raise new questions about whether authorities might seek her cooperation as a witness.
(Max Cizzotti/Dave Bennett/Getty Images; Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Simarjot Singh Judge, Managing Partner at judge law, He said there was little basis to assume any immediate action by the authorities if Ferguson returned to the UK. “If there is no arrest warrant, no bail condition, or an effective requirement to attend an interview, the ‘first thing’ is likely to simply be that nothing happens at the border other than standard entry checks,” he explained.
“In the UK, arrest generally requires reasonable suspicion of a crime, and is usually carried out by Police when necessary and proportionateThe judge continued: “If the police wanted to speak to her, the usual starting point would be to contact via lawyers to request a voluntary interview or statement – especially in high-profile cases.”
“Most legal analysts believe that upon her return to the UK it will be highly likely that she will be contacted and interviewed as a key relevant witness by prosecutors or police but currently there is no warrant for her arrest.”
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The judge also urged caution regarding online conversations about a potential arrest and discussed any potential legal hurdles Ferguson may face.
Ferguson and Andrew separated in 1996 but continued to live together at Royal Lodge. (Samir Hussein/WireImage)
“Treat arrest rumors with caution unless they are supported by reliable reports of an arrest warrant, charge or official request,” he said. “At the moment, reputable coverage is focused on the broader ramifications of the Epstein-related revelations and Andrew’s situation, rather than on any formal allegation against Sarah Ferguson.”
“In practice, the obstacles, if any, will depend on whether or not the authorities consider her a witness, a person of interest,” the judge added. “Without a court order or formal action, there is no automatic legal ‘trap door’ on arrival.”
However, royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that it is widely believed that authorities will be interested in speaking to Ferguson upon her return to the UK despite the lack of an arrest warrant.
“Even though I’m not a lawyer, I’m not a lawyer Legal analysts Fordwich said: “I believe that upon her return to the UK it would be very likely that she would be contacted and interviewed as a key relevant witness by prosecutors or police, but currently there is no warrant for her arrest and she has not yet been flagged as a suspect. Although, as we have seen with both Andrew and Mandelson, this could change at any moment.”
Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office during an investigation related to his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images; Rick Friedman/Rick Friedman Photography/Corbis via Getty Images)
Days after Andrew’s arrest, British police The former British ambassador was arrested To the United States Peter Mandelson on suspicion of misconduct in public office in connection with allegations that he improperly shared sensitive government information with Epstein. He was later released on suspended bail Further investigation He was not charged.
The judge shared his opinion on the likelihood of authorities questioning Ferguson and whether her potential cooperation would be beneficial to them.
Andrew was released from custody hours after his arrest on February 19. (Reuters)
“If the authorities believe they have relevant information — contacts, introductions, timelines, financial context — they could be useful as a witness,” he said.
The judge continued: “Cooperation in the United Kingdom usually means: providing documents, giving a witness statement, or attending a voluntary interview through lawyers.” “If you are not truly suspected of wrongdoing, cooperation can help by clarifying the facts early, reducing speculation, and demonstrating transparency – without implying liability.”
Removal of former Prince Andrew from the line of succession being considered by the UK government
Legal expert Simarjot Singh Judge said Ferguson “may be useful as a witness.” (Max Mumbi/Indigo/Getty Images)
Fordwich noted that since Ferguson does not hold any official royal role, she would not have any special legal protection.
“She is not a working royal, she does not have HRH status or indeed any official royal role,” Fordwich said. “It has no sovereign immunity or any institutional cover.”
She added: “The family have already distanced themselves from her, as have her former friends and charities.” “Just associating with her now is completely unacceptable.”
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Royal expert Hilary Fordwich noted that Ferguson “does not enjoy sovereign immunity or any institutional cover” because she does not have any official royal role. (Stefan Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
While speaking with Fox News Digital, the judge spoke about how the Royal Family would handle media relations if Ferguson’s return to the UK sparked controversy.
He said: “Most likely a strategic distance, with strict discipline in the message: This is a matter for the legal authorities” and “No comment.” “Palaces typically avoid anything that looks like interference with the police or the courts. Where necessary, they may emphasize that Sarah is a private individual and not a member of the royal family, limiting institutional exposure.”
The judge said Ferguson would need to deal with any potential legal concerns independently.
Photos of Ferguson were included in Epstein’s files. (Ministry of Justice)
“Even with royal proximity, the palace cannot and should not be seen as influencing the legal process,” he said. “If she needs legal advice, representation or crisis communications, this is handled privately via her own team. Recent reports have portrayed her public position and business relationships as being under stress, which reinforces this disconnect.”
Royal expert Ian Pelham-Turner shared his view on why Ferguson chose to stay out of the spotlight rather than address the controversy directly.
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He added: “Why did she hide herself? Perhaps for fear of being subjected to pressure due to revealing the secret, constant surveillance by the media and the police, and fear of becoming a scapegoat.”
Andrew appears in three new photos from Epstein’s latest dossier. (Ministry of Justice)
The judge shared his thoughts on whether Ferguson’s choice to remain out of public view was the wisest course of action.
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“Keeping a low profile is a common tactic in crises when facts are still emerging and headlines are volatile – especially when there is intense reputational heat and any comment can create new angles,” he said. Some reports suggest she has been keeping a low profile amid renewed scrutiny.
“Whether it is ‘wise’ depends on the objective: if the priority is legal prudence and error reduction, then silence can be reasonable,” the judge continued. “If the priority is reputation repair, prolonged silence can allow narratives to harden – so many counselors prefer a short, carefully worded statement that sets boundaries (no wrongdoing alleged, willingness to help if asked, focus on own/family health) and then shut up again.”
Sarah Ferguson revealed she was diagnosed with breast cancer in June. (David M. Bennett)
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The judge also discussed whether Ferguson’s return to the UK could be seen as compensation or, alternatively, if it could attract renewed attention to some past controversies.
“It risks reopening old chapters, especially if timed alongside current news,” he said. “The ‘take back’ framework generally only works when there is closure and clarity. If the public interest is still active, the safest route is a low-drama approach: minimal visibility, measured statements through actors, and avoid any semblance of manipulation.”
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