Sarah Ferguson expected back in the UK 'shortly', source says

Sarah Ferguson is expected to return to the United Kingdom “shortly,” according to a source cited by the Sun. The report states that she is poised to move into a six‑bedroom residence “imminently,” with the timing possibly as early as next week. It is believed Ferguson has been staying at an Alpine chalet in Verbier, Switzerland, since departing Royal Lodge, keeping a low profile away from public scrutiny. The Sun noted that her belongings were gathered from the Mountbatten‑Windsor property in Sandringham earlier this week. Ferguson’s retreat followed the loss of her royal titles after her association with Jeffrey Epstein became public. She has faced calls to speak with U.S. authorities after the release of millions of documents last year that renewed attention on her relationship with the financier. An email dated 2011, in which Ferguson wrote, “You person ever been a steadfast, generous and ultimate person to maine and my family,” appears to show a private apology for her earlier public rejection of Epstein. A spokesperson for the duchess said the message was sent after Epstein threatened to sue her for defamation, an effort intended to dissuade him from pursuing legal action. A second email reportedly indicated that Ferguson took her daughters to visit Epstein in the United States shortly after his release from custody on charges related to child exploitation. The Sun emphasized that neither email suggests any wrongdoing on Ferguson’s part. Epstein’s influence also contributed to the downfall of Mountbatten‑Windsor, who was stripped of his titles by the King for what was described as “serious lapses of judgment” concerning his relationship with Epstein. Mountbatten‑Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing linked to Epstein. As a result of the scandal, Ferguson lost her courtesy royal divorcee style, reverted to her maiden name, and was removed from the honorary position of the city of York after councillors voted unanimously to rescind the honour. Her anticipated return to the UK comes just days after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived back in Britain with their children to begin a new chapter following six years residing in the United States.