The former Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, has recently been revealed to have sought refuge at a luxury clinic in Zurich while her ex-husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, faced arrest. The arrest of Andrew on February 23, 2025 sent shockwaves through the royal community, prompting questions about Ferguson’s whereabouts during this tumultuous time.
Reports indicate that Ferguson, 66, checked into the Paracelsus Recovery Clinic, known as one of the world’s most expensive wellness retreats, shortly after Christmas. The clinic charges an astounding £13,000 per day and caters to the wealthy seeking recovery from various issues. This revelation surfaced just as the public and royal observers were left asking about Ferguson’s silence amid the scandal surrounding Andrew’s ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Ferguson’s last public appearance was at her granddaughter Athena’s christening on December 12, 2025, after which she reportedly vanished into the exclusive Swiss sanctuary. According to a source speaking to the Daily Mail, “Sarah left for Zurich just after Christmas and stayed until the end of January.” The source elaborated that she appreciates the care and expertise available at Paracelsus, stating, “She always feels at home there.”
During her stay, Ferguson was reported to be under the care of 15 health experts, with access to amenities like a private chauffeur and personal chef. Despite her public financial struggles, including remarks about needing to “get back to work,” insiders suggest that her extended stay at the clinic may have been sponsored, given her strong relationship with the facility.
Ferguson has publicly endorsed Paracelsus, claiming it helped her recognize that her mental health “knows no boundaries.” She has actively promoted the clinic on social media and even appeared in a promotional video with its founder, Jan Gerber. A friend noted that her connection to the clinic made it a natural choice for her escape from the media frenzy.
Following her time in Zurich, Ferguson did not return directly to the UK but has been described as “sofa-surfing” around various luxury locations, allegedly travelling with her daughters, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice. Sources indicate that she has been moving frequently to avoid public scrutiny, with one insider stating, “She is paranoid her location will be discovered.” Locations reported include Doha for the Art Basel event with Eugenie and a ski resort in France.
Ferguson’s evasive actions have not gone unnoticed, generating a wave of criticism on social media. Comments have ranged from outrage over the expense of her clinic stay to disbelief at her perceived lack of accountability in the wake of the Epstein scandal. One user remarked on the absurdity of spending £13,000 a day while claiming financial hardship.
The fallout continues for Ferguson, especially as newly released documents from the US Justice Department expose her ongoing friendship with Epstein even after his conviction. A friend in Switzerland disclosed that Ferguson felt “absolutely crushed” when these email exchanges became public.
As Ferguson contemplates her future, including the possibility of hiring a new public relations team, her challenges in returning to public life in the UK remain significant. Andrew Lownie, a royal biographer, suggests that Ferguson may find support in the Middle East, where past scandals might carry less weight. He indicated that influential figures in Gulf states could be inclined to back her financially, potentially allowing her to maintain a royal-like status despite her lack of formal title.
As the dust settles on the recent turmoil, the question remains whether Sarah Ferguson will be able to navigate her return to British society or if her past will continue to overshadow her future.
