Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson attend a memorial service

Sarah Ferguson’s family breaks silence on her ‘vanishing act’ to protect Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

The former Duchess of York was recently seen in a small Austrian village known for its local luxury ski resort

arah Ferguson is reportedly putting “family first” as she enters a period of reflection in the Austrian mountains. Following her first public sighting in four months, members of the author’s extended family have shared rare insight into her state of mind.

Speaking for the first time since new documents linked her and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to Jeffrey Epstein, her cousin Martin Barrantes revealed that Sarah’s decision to step back from the public eye stems from a “fierce determination” to protect Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and her grandchildren.

“I have spoken to her [and] can tell you that she just wants to protect her children and her grandchildren,” he told Daily Mail, later adding: “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.”

According to the publication, Sarah, 66, has been receiving support from friends who have the funds to support her in staying out of the public eye.

Princess Eugenie joined her sister Princess Beatrice and mother Sarah Ferguson at the Teenage Cancer Trust unit© Alamy Stock Photo
Sarah Ferguson’s family breaks silence on her devotion to her children

She was previously described as “desperate” by a source and worried about “police and politicians” wanting her to testify about what she knew of convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, with whom she remained friends, even after his conviction.

Austria holds a special place in Sarah’s heart, as she stayed at the MAYRLIFE Clinic in the country after she was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma. The mum-of-two stayed at the resort for two weeks.

Where has Sarah been?

Andrew and Sarah in formal attire© Getty Images
Andrew and Sarah are no longer living together

The former wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor previously took refuge at the world-renowned £13,000-a-day Paracelsus Recovery Clinic in Zurich, Switzerland, arriving after Christmas and leaving at the end of January.

Back in February, it was reported that she was staying at the Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa in Donegal, Ireland. The resort is a firm favourite of Sarah’s, who has visited in the past.

Sharing a TikTok video from the location previously, she said: “I find things get sometimes overwhelming, I just try and take myself off to the most beautiful, wonderful blast of fresh air.”

Past life

Sarah used to live with her ex-husband at his former home Royal Lodge but the King’s brother was forced to vacate the premises and will move into Marsh Farm on the King’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

A general view of Marsh Farm showing new wooden gates where Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is due to relocate from Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate© Getty Images
A general view of Marsh Farm showing new wooden gates where Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is living

The former Duchess has also been forced to find a new home and could move abroad permanently. Andrew and Sarah were last at a royal event when they attended the christening of their granddaughter Athena, the child of Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.