Chi is helping Sarah Ferguson to hide? The English media are asking this, having dubbed her the “most famous missing person in the United Kingdom”. In recent months they have triggered a real hunt for the former Duchess of York: in fact, Fergie has not been seen in public since last autumn. She was “spotted” in the Middle East, then in an Irish spa and in a Swiss recovery clinic, but no one can photograph her. And the attention now falls on her sister and on an increasingly smaller group of influential friends on whom Fergie can still count, despite everything.
The former duchess continues to give no news about herself
The 66-year-old former duchess’ self-exile began last October, a few days after the historic decision of Charles III to withdraw the titles and the royal residence from his brother Andrea and his ex-sister-in-law Fergie. It was immediately understood that, in order to maintain their Royal status and the respect of the public, their daughters Beatrice and Eugenie would distance themselves from their parents. Sarah was left alone, homeless and apparently penniless. But despite not wanting to be associated with the ex Yorks’ name and the Epstein scandal, some of her friends are demonstrating deep loyalty to her.
Sarah Ferguson’s super-loyal circle of friends
Celebrity friends are doing everything they can to ensure the former duchess has a roof over her head. Some, like Elton John, are even trying to give her advice on a possible return to the American media, as well as offering her temporary accommodation. And among them, the name that most surprises is that of Priscilla Presley.
Is Sarah Ferguson hiding at Priscilla Presley’s house?
The actress immediately denied what was reported by international newspapers in recent days, namely that Sarah is Priscilla’s guest in Los Angeles. Despite this, sources close to Ferguson have made it known that the two remain very close, linked above all by the support offered in the past by Sarah to Priscilla’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.
Sarah Ferguson with her daughter Beatrice and, on the right, her sister Jane Luedecke (Getty Images)
The Australian sister comes to the rescue of the former Duchess of York
Jane Ferguson Luedecke, Sarah’s older sister, is her main confidant, always ready to protect or console the former duchess. Resident in Australia, last October she immediately boarded a plane to London to be close to her during the recent “eviction” from Royal Lodge. And it is she who organizes all the current movements. The former duchess, too distraught, is unable to lift a finger.
Fergie with Naomi Campbell, London, August 2012 (Getty Images)
Naomi and Elton, very trusted friends
One of Ferguson’s most loyal friends is Naomi Campbell, so much so that she was even invited at the “farewell party” which took place at Royal Lodge last Christmas. Friends for over twenty years, the English model has often defended Sarah, defining her as such a generous person that she is often used as a scapegoat. And a great protector of the former duchess is also Sir Elton John, who would have made his network of contacts available to her to create new work opportunities, such as the possible memoir that Ferguson is already preparing.
Idris Elba’s wife would have backed out
Sabrina Dhowre Elba, entrepreneur and wife of Idris Elba, has been a close ally of Sarah on several global climate projects. Ferguson often described Sabrina as a “dear friend,” a millennial leader and an inspiration. However, the revelation of the new Epstein files has meant that the once promising friendship on a humanitarian level has cooled, at least in public. And many of their joint projects were immediately put on hold because of the closure of the charity Sarah’s Trust.
Fergie’s future: how long will she continue to run?
Royal public relations and affairs experts rule out the possibility that the former duchess could rehabilitate herself in the eyes of the public. Her reputation is now too compromised and Fergie will not be able to hope for a media comeback. But she still needs financial help and, according to some English tabloids, she is looking for wealthy contacts in the Middle East who will allow her to maintain the lifestyle she is used to. Some business partners for whom Fergie has worked in the past as an “ambassador” are honoring old agreements, they say, to help her rebuild her fortune. And who knows, maybe even to rehabilitate in some way.
