Sarah Ferguson may be questioned by police following the arrest of her former husband, Prince Andrew, according to senior British legal sources.
Ferguson, 66, is believed to be in the United Arab Emirates after reportedly leaving her former home, Royal Lodge. Thames Valley Police arrested her ex-husband early Thursday morning on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
While there is no evidence of criminal wrongdoing on Ferguson’s part, a senior barrister told Page Six that investigators might consider her a potential witness.
“The police may have a basis for questioning Sarah Ferguson [as] she may be a relevant witness in this case,” the source said. “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).”
The source added that decisions on whether to question her would rest entirely with police. “It’s up to police,” the barrister said, noting that “as part of this investigation, they can call upon who they want.”
Ferguson and Andrew, who divorced in 1996, share two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Despite their separation, Ferguson has consistently defended Andrew publicly, including after he stepped back from royal duties and lost the use of his HRH title.
However, previously released emails linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein appeared to show Ferguson requesting financial assistance. According to documents reported in the so-called Epstein Files, she allegedly wrote to Epstein in January 2010, “Just marry me,” following his release from jail.
In a May 2010 email, she reportedly asked to work as his “House Assistant,” stating she “desperately” needed money and describing herself as “very traumatized and alone.” It was also reported that in 2009 she requested £20,000 for rent amid concerns a landlord might go to the press.
Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, reportedly in connection with allegations that he forwarded confidential trade documents to Epstein. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Police officers arrived at his temporary residence on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk to make the arrest. Ferguson was believed to be abroad at the time, having reportedly spent time in the French Alps before travelling to the UAE.
A representative for Ferguson declined to comment on Andrew’s arrest.
