Hollywood icon Priscilla Presley has firmly dismissed widespread rumors suggesting that Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, is secretly residing at her Los Angeles property. This speculation has intensified amid ongoing public scrutiny of individuals connected to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, with Ferguson facing increased isolation and recent loss of honors.
Denial of Allegations
A representative for Priscilla Presley, 80, issued a statement to People magazine, categorically labeling the claims as 'totally false'. The rumors had suggested that Ferguson, 66, was being hosted by Presley following her forced departure from Royal Lodge in Windsor, after King Charles stripped her ex-husband, former Prince Andrew, of his royal titles. Ferguson has not been seen publicly for an extended period, fueling various unconfirmed reports about her whereabouts, including locations in Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and Portugal.
Historical Connections and Recent Tensions
Priscilla Presley and Sarah Ferguson have maintained a long-standing acquaintance, largely through the close friendship between Ferguson and Priscilla's late daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. Ferguson previously described Lisa Marie as like a sister, and after Lisa Marie's death in 2023, Ferguson paid tribute at a memorial held at Graceland, reflecting on grief and loss in a speech that referenced Queen Elizabeth II. Sources indicate that Priscilla remains appreciative of Ferguson's support during that difficult time, but she has now clarified that her home is not serving as a refuge for the duchess.
Broader Context of Epstein Links
The speculation arises against a backdrop of heightened examination of figures associated with Jeffrey Epstein. Recently, Ferguson was stripped of the Freedom of the City of York during a City of York Council meeting, with public members urging the action as 'the absolute minimum' response. This prestigious title had been gifted to her and then-Prince Andrew on their wedding day in 1987. The council's unanimous vote followed revelations from published emails showing Ferguson had asked Epstein for financial support while he was under house arrest, thanked him as a 'supreme friend', and took her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, to lunch with him shortly after his release from jail.
Further Embarrassing Disclosures
Additional emails disclosed in the files revealed more personal exchanges, including one where Ferguson appeared to ask Epstein to 'just marry me'. Many of these communications occurred after Epstein's 2008 arrest for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Reports also indicate that Ferguson spent several weeks at a high-end wellness clinic in Switzerland, costing approximately £13,000 per day, as details about her relationship with Epstein emerged. There has been no official confirmation regarding her current living arrangements, leaving the public and media to continue speculating about her situation amid ongoing royal and legal controversies.
