Sarah Ferguson reportedly preparing to return to the UK

Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, is reportedly preparing to return to the United Kingdom after spending several months away from the public eye. Her extended absence followed intense scrutiny over her past relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the disgrace of her ex-husband, Prince Andrew.

According to 'The Sun', the 66-year-old has leased a six-bedroom property on the outskirts of London, with plans to move in imminently. Ferguson's last public appearance was at the funeral of the Duchess of Kent in Westminster Abbey on September 16. Just a month later, she faced further fallout after new details emerged about her connections to Epstein, including emails where she referred to him as her "supreme friend."

Prince Andrew, brother to King Charles III, was stripped of his titles, and both he and Ferguson were asked to vacate Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle in February. This led to widespread speculation about Ferguson's whereabouts. She resurfaced in media reports in April, photographed at a luxury ski resort in Austria, believed to be where she has been residing.

Her anticipated return to Britain coincides with that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who arrived in the UK this week with their children, Archie and Lilibet, for an extended stay. This marks their return six years after their controversial departure from royal duties, known as "Megxit."

In March, a US congressman formally requested Ferguson to testify before a congressional committee regarding her "close personal and business ties" to Epstein. The ongoing release of the "Epstein files" has significantly impacted the British monarchy, particularly the York family. Her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, have also faced questions about their own alleged links to Epstein and have been excluded from official royal events.