Sarah Ferguson's former husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested at his temporary home, Wood Farm, in Norfolk, on the morning of his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office and is in police custody. While her family's life falls into turmoil, where is the former Duchess of York?
The 66-year-old author and mother-of-two was stripped of her titles and asked to vacate her former home at Royal Lodge in Windsor, where she lived alongside her ex-spouse, Andrew.
While the late Queen's second son arrived at his temporary lodgings on the 20,000-acre Sandringham Estate, it was reported that Sarah fled to the United Arab Emirates, where she was believed to be at the time of Andrew's arrest.
Before her trip to the UAE, the mother of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie was said to have spent a few days with friends in the French Alps ahead of seeking out some winter sun.
Sarah was supposedly spending time with her daughter Princess Eugenie, who was seen in Doha, Qatar attending the Basel art fair in her capacity as director of art gallery Hauser & Wirth.
According to the Daily Mail, the ex-duchess is attempting to fly under the radar and is on the hunt for a new PR team to help her return to society after her supposed associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein came to light.
© GettyAndrew's arrest
Thames Valley Police confirmed the former senior royal's arrest earlier this morning. A statement released by the police force explained: "As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
"The man remains in police custody at this time. We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active, so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court."
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: "Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.
"It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time."
© WireImageWhere will Sarah Ferguson go now?
What the future holds for Sarah, sometimes known as Fergie, is more uncertain than ever following the news of the former prince's arrest.
However, a source told HELLO! last month that she would not be joining Andrew in his move to Norfolk. "She has stood by him all these years but is now ready to spread her wings."
They continued: "She won't be moving in with him to the new house on the Sandringham Estate. She won't be moving into Beatrice's Cotswolds home though. Eugenie's home in Portugal is a contender while she finds somewhere."
10 pictures of Sarah and Andrew through the years...
1/10
© Getty ImagesEngagement announcement – March 1986
Andrew and Sarah pose at Buckingham Palace following their engagement announcement.
2/10
© Getty ImagesWedding bells – July 1986
Sarah and Andrew wave from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their wedding ceremony.
3/10
© Getty ImagesBaby Beatrice – August 1988
Sarah and Andrew leave Portland Hospital, London, smiling, holding their newborn daughter, Princess Beatrice.
4/10
© Getty ImagesBall gown party – January 1990
Sarah and Andrew dress in formal attire for an event in London.
5/10
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetGolfing – August 1995
The pair attend a golf tournament at Wentworth Golf Club, Surrey, in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
6/10
© UK Press via Getty ImagesGala dinner – June 2000
Sarah and Andrew attend the Serpentine Gallery 30th Anniversary gala dinner.
7/10
© Getty ImagesSki season – February 2007
The former couple holiday in Verbier, Switzerland, for a skiing trip.
8/10
© UK Press via Getty ImagesAscot – June 2015
The pair attend day four of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse.
9/10
© Getty ImagesAnother Ascot appearance – June 2019
Sarah and Andrew attend day four of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse in 2019.
10/10
© Getty ImagesThanksgiving service – February 2024
Sarah and Andrew attend the Thanksgiving Service for King Constantine of the Hellenes at St George's Chapel.
