Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, may be poised to receive a substantial inheritance following the recent death of her longtime friend and former partner, Formula 1 businessman Paddy McNally. McNally, who passed away this week at the age of 88, had amassed a fortune estimated at £600 million, ranking him among Britain’s wealthiest individuals. Speculation has emerged that Ferguson, 66, could be a beneficiary of his estate, given their decades-long close relationship.

Ferguson and McNally’s connection dates back to the early 1980s when they were romantically involved despite a 22-year age difference. Though their relationship ended before Ferguson’s marriage to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, they remained close friends for more than 40 years. McNally was known to have provided Ferguson with refuge multiple times during periods of personal and financial difficulties spanning several decades. For example, Ferguson stayed at McNally’s chalet, Les Gais Lutins, in Verbier, Switzerland—an eight-bedroom property formerly associated with high-profile parties—and at his villa in Sotogrande, Spain. Reports also indicate that McNally once purchased a villa in Geneva for her and supported her financially during moments of crisis, including in 2010 when she was reportedly £2 million in debt.

Ferguson’s connection to the wider royal family has been complicated by recent controversies, particularly related to alleged associations with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. As a result, she was stripped of her Duchess title and required to leave Royal Lodge, her residence on the Sandringham estate. Investigations into Epstein’s network have involved multiple UK police forces and the National Crime Agency, with some media reports citing emails exchanged between Ferguson and Epstein. US Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has publicly urged Ferguson to provide testimony concerning her ties to Epstein.

At the time of McNally’s death, Ferguson was reportedly living abroad. She was last seen at a luxury resort in Austria after departing a wellness clinic, and sources confirm she had sought sanctuary at McNally’s Swiss chalet during his final months. While Ferguson’s current financial standing is unclear, she sold a Belgravia townhouse last year at a loss and has no known regular income aside from eligibility for the State Pension since turning 66.

McNally’s career was marked by significant contributions to the motorsport industry. Originating from Kent and raised in Ireland, he began as a journalist and racing driver before moving into advertising and management. In the 1980s, he founded Allsport Management and created the Formula 1 Paddock Club, a lucrative VIP hospitality business. He retired in 2011 and owned several high-value properties including Ian Fleming’s former home in Wiltshire and estates in Spain and France.

While some associates and commentators have expressed confidence that McNally would have made financial provisions for Ferguson, others close to her dispute any certainty about an inheritance. Ferguson’s representatives have declined to comment on the matter. McNally is survived by his son Rollo; his other son, Sean, died earlier this year. Ferguson’s former husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is reported to be living in exile on the King’s Sandringham estate, with no indication that Ferguson intends to rejoin him.

The nature of Ferguson’s relationship with McNally and the implications of his death are subjects of ongoing interest, as she navigates a complex personal and public landscape amid renewed scrutiny of her past associations.