Sarah Ferguson has reportedly pulled far away from the royal storm, and now one new report claims only one family member has stepped forward to publicly support her through it.
The Duchess of York is said to be staying at an Austrian wellness retreat as fallout continues around her ex-husband, Prince Andrew. New photos published this week showed Sarah keeping a very low profile during what sources describe as a deeply difficult stretch. And while much of the royal family appears to be keeping its distance, one relative by marriage is now speaking out about private conversations with her and why she has chosen to stay out of sight.
Sarah Ferguson’s Reported Safe Haven Comes With One Clear Focus
According to Martin Barrantes, Sarah’s cousin by marriage, the 66-year-old is trying to shield her family from even more pressure. “I have spoken to her [and] can tell you that she just wants to protect her children and her grandchildren,” Barrantes said. He added that they spoke around three months ago and that he wanted to offer support during what he called “a difficult moment for her, with all that was going on with the Epstein Files.”
Barrantes also said, “Sarah is going through a difficult moment, and I wanted to send her our support. She is a valued member of our family. Given the situation, she seemed to be in good spirits.”
That makes him the only known family member currently speaking publicly in her corner, which says plenty on its own. Sarah has spent years trying to manage scandal, family strain, and health setbacks in public view. This time, though, she appears to be choosing distance over damage control.
Austria Retreat Marks Another Withdrawal From the Spotlight
Austria is not unfamiliar territory for Sarah. She previously stayed at the MAYRLIFE Clinic there after being diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2024, and reports now place her back in the country at a luxury wellness resort said to cost around £2,000 per night.
The new outing marks the first time she has been clearly seen in public since attending the Duchess of Kent’s funeral in September. She was also present at the christening of her granddaughter Athena in December, though her face was obscured in photos.
Meanwhile, Prince Andrew is said to be adjusting to life on the Sandringham estate after leaving Royal Lodge at King Charles’ request. Sarah’s retreat also follows another reported stay at the Paracelsus Recovery Clinic in Zurich, where she was said to have spent time from late December 2025 through the end of January 2026. The clinic describes its treatment as support for addiction, burnout, depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health struggles.
For now, Sarah’s message appears to be simple. Keep the circle small, stay out of view, and protect the family closest to her.
