Why Sarah Ferguson and ex Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor continued living together after divorce


The former Duchess of York previously spoke out about her living situation with her ex-husband Andrew at Royal Lodge in Windsor


Sarah Ferguson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor close up© Getty
Rachel Avery
Rachel AveryHomes Editor
Updated: May 13, 2026
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For over two decades, Sarah Ferguson and her ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor baffled royal watchers with their highly unusual post-divorce living arrangement. 

Following their split in 1992 and official divorce in 1996, the former couple defied all conventional breakup norms by continuing to live under the same roof at Royal Lodge in Windsor. 

Now, with Andrew's era at the 30-room mansion coming to an end, we look back at exactly why the pair chose to share an address for so long.

Previously, the former Duchess has spoken about living at Royal Lodge, claiming she is "lucky" to do so.

"When I'm in the UK I'm lucky enough to stay at Royal Lodge," she previously told the Telegraph. "I wouldn't call it my home as that would be presumptuous."

WATCH: Sarah Ferguson defends Prince Andrew on live TV

Sarah and Andrew have remained famously close, not least because of their daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. They are now also grandparents to four grandchildren, with a fifth on the way later this year.

Royal Lodge© Getty Images
Royal Lodge is where Sarah and Andrew reside

Speaking about her unusual living arrangements to USA Today, the Duchess previously said: "Andrew and I, we’re the happiest divorced couple in the world – extraordinary, really, isn't it. We live in the same house, but then, it's a big house, so that’s ok. But I think it's really good that we believe in compromise and communication and compassion. And family."

royal lodge garden sunset
Their outdoor space is incredible

The vast property has been Andrew's official residence since 2004, when he was granted a 75-year lease agreement by the Crown Estate. 

For nearly two decades, Andrew occupied the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor on a long-term lease, paying just a "peppercorn" rent.

Sarah, Duchess of York and the Duke of York at Royal at Royal Ascot© Getty
The former couple have lived together for years

After months of pressure from the public, Andrew finally left the property. Following his high-profile eviction by King Charles III in early 2026, he relocated to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk where he initially stayed at Wood Farm until his permanent residence was ready.

The former royal has had new carpets installed, along with a few fences and CCTV. Plus, the stables on site have been transformed for his horses.  

What is Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's former home Royal Lodge like?

royal lodge sarah ferguson
Sarah uses the home as a backdrop for her YouTube channel

The Grade II-listed residence sits on the Windsor Great Park estate, near Charles' Windsor Castle, and it boasts 30 rooms, including seven bedrooms and 21 acres of secluded gardens. Sarah's YouTube channel, Fergie and Friends, used to be updated regularly, and it allowed royal fans to have a glimpse inside the otherwise private home. 

sarah ferguson home© Photo: Twitter
The royal has shown off her beautiful home online

The author often filmed inside the couple's pristine conservatory, but she has also filmed outside into the sprawling gardens and into a cosy lounge inside.

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