Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson are reportedly considering leaving the United Kingdom, with Dubai emerging as a likely destination, according to a royal biographer. The former Duke and Duchess of York, who have faced considerable public scrutiny linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, may be contemplating permanent exile following a series of personal and legal difficulties.

Nigel Cawthorne, author of several books on the couple, including one focusing on Epstein and the British royal family, suggested that both Andrew and Ferguson feel increasingly vulnerable in Britain. He cited their loss of formal royal security protections as a key factor in their growing concerns for personal safety. “The fact that neither of them are covered any longer by the high-level security afforded to members of the Royal Family is another reason they have concluded they may no longer be safe in Britain,” Cawthorne said.

Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s relationship has remained unusually close despite their 1996 divorce. Cawthorne noted that the couple spent years cohabiting at Royal Lodge in Windsor, even after their separation, and believes Andrew would likely not leave Ferguson behind should they relocate. The biographer described their bond as “extraordinary” and indicated that they may soon prioritize an exit strategy to avoid the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal.

According to Cawthorne, Dubai is a natural choice for the couple’s potential new home. From 2001 to 2011, Andrew served as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, during which time he cultivated strong relationships in the United Arab Emirates, including ties to prominent British investors David and Jonathan Rowland, and the Emirati government and ruling family. The former royal’s familiarity with the region and its secure environment provide a compelling rationale for relocation.

The biographer also highlighted the contrasting trajectories of the two since their eviction from Royal Lodge by King Charles III in February. Andrew currently resides at Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk but is described as “utterly miserable” and effectively in exile. He has faced legal challenges, including a lengthy police interview and harassment incidents. Ferguson has reportedly struggled to regain financial stability, with unsuccessful attempts to monetize her memoirs, particularly in the U.S. market.

Adding to their security concerns, a private investigator involved in the inquiry into the deaths of individuals connected to Epstein has warned that both Andrew and Ferguson could be targets of violence.

While official statements from the couple or the royal household have not been made regarding any relocation plans, these assessments underscore the continuing personal and legal pressures they face. The prospect of their departure from Britain reflects a broader narrative of diminishing royal privileges and a recalibration of their public lives amid ongoing controversies.