The publication of private correspondence between Sarah Ferguson and Jeffrey Epstein has dealt a significant blow to the British monarchy. While public attention was focused on Prince Andrew’s arrest, his ex-wife remained out of sight. Her disappearance coincided with yet another wave of scandal linked to Epstein’s name, raising numerous questions about her whereabouts and motivations.
According to Mujerhoy, Sarah Ferguson chose not just a luxurious, but an exceptionally exclusive retreat — the Paracelsus Recovery clinic in Zurich. The cost of staying here reaches up to 15,000 euros per night, and the clinic is renowned for its personalized care and absolute privacy. This choice reflects a desire not only to escape media scrutiny but also to receive professional help during a period of emotional turmoil.
Reasons behind her disappearance
The decision to leave for Switzerland was made right after Christmas, when the scandal surrounding the letters with Epstein was at its peak. According to Mujerhoy, Ferguson was in an extremely depressed state, and the publication of her letters asking for financial support and discussing personal matters only worsened the situation. As it became known, in these letters she not only asked Epstein for help but also discussed her debts with him, as well as visits to him with her daughters shortly after his release from prison.
According to those close to the former Duchess, Paracelsus Recovery became a kind of refuge for her. There, she could count on complete confidentiality, medical supervision, and psychological support. The clinic is situated on the shores of a picturesque lake and employs fifteen specialists, including a personal chef and driver for each client. Recovery programs last one month and can cost up to 400,000 euros, making this place inaccessible to most.
Life Away from London
While the British press speculated about Sarah Ferguson’s whereabouts, she spent several weeks at the clinic before heading to the Alps and the UAE. This route allowed her not only to regain her strength, but also to avoid direct contact with journalists and the public. It’s worth noting that Ferguson has sought help at Paracelsus Recovery before—she was previously diagnosed there with post-traumatic stress disorder and attention deficit disorder.
In one interview, she admitted that she is not ashamed to discuss her treatment experience, as she believes it is important to openly address mental health issues, especially among public figures. According to her, the clinic is known for its innovative methods and personalized approach to each patient, which is particularly valuable for those accustomed to hiding their difficulties behind a public facade.
The Fallout of the Scandal
The publication of the so-called ‘Epstein archives’ by the US Department of Justice has once again cast doubt on Fergie and Prince Andrew’s claims of having severed ties with the disgraced financier. In the letters made public, the former duchess not only asked Epstein for money, but also offered to work for him, despite his status as a convicted criminal. In one of the messages, she explained that she had publicly condemned him solely to protect her reputation as a children’s author, calling him ‘a loyal and generous friend.’
Amid these revelations, Fergie’s stay at an elite Swiss clinic appears not just as an attempt to escape scandal but also as a necessary measure to restore her psychological balance. Official representatives of Paracelsus Recovery do not comment on visits from high-profile clients, and the former duchess’s current whereabouts remain unknown.
Sarah Ferguson, former Duchess of York, has long remained one of the most talked-about figures in British aristocracy. Her life has repeatedly drawn public attention due to personal and financial difficulties, as well as close ties with members of high society. Despite her divorce from Prince Andrew, she continued to live at his residence and maintain relations with the royal family. The Epstein scandal has once again put her reputation in question, yet Ferguson does not hide her problems and openly speaks about the need for professional support during difficult times.
