Ex-Prince Andrew And Sarah Ferguson Leaning On Each Other Amid Disgrace: 'Misery Loves Company'

Not many scandals can be recovered from, and insiders say that might be the case for former Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.

The former Duke and Duchess of York have faced scrutiny over their connection with Jeffrey Epstein, which has escalated following the release of Epstein-related files. 

More recently, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, adding to his woes. As pressure mounts, the royal family has totally shunned them, but is there any redemption for the estranged couple? 

In light of Andrew and Ferguson's downward spiral, sources say there is no hope that they could bounce back, as their reputation has taken a serious hit. "There's no real return to royal life," one source told US Weekly, adding that the estranged couple is "very much in survival mode." 

With their inner circle cutting ties, the exes are now leaning on each other. "They are miserable," the insider added, "and misery loves company."

Following Andrew's arrest, King Charles made it clear in his statement that the "law must take its course," and now the source says he feels "validated" for distancing himself. 

Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly "disgusted and appalled" with the situation, reinforcing their zero-tolerance approach to reputational risk.

Other members of the brood have also kept away. According to another insider, "No one has spoken to him since the latest batch of Epstein files was released."

Andrew's controversy has not only been a pain to his family but also to the royal institution at large. Royal expert Christopher Andersen explained that the British monarchy survives on public trust, but Andrew's scandals have pushed it to the breaking point, sparking questions that need answers.

Crisis communications expert David E. Johnson chimed in that the fallout could even affect Queen Elizabeth II's legacy, arguing that the public may wonder whether she should have taken action sooner. 

Andersen shared another perspective, suggesting that Andrew could be regretting his mother's death, noting that the late queen did her best to "shield her favorite son." He pointed out that Andrew has since shown entitlement, believing he could avoid consequences because the queen would step in. 

However, now, neither Andrew nor Ferguson can escape reputational damage, even if no formal legal charges are brought against them.

Andrew and Ferguson's fallout has also taken a toll on their daughters, as they were said to be "horrified, devastated, and in a state of total shock" at Andrew's detention. 

An insider claimed Beatrice feels mortified and has faced intense public scrutiny in the U.K. Now, more than ever, the sisters are said to be supporting one another while maintaining distance from their parents.

"They don't want to be associated with the scandal. They don't spend a lot of time with Fergie and Andrew," one source said. 

As their daughters reportedly distanced themselves following Andrew's detention on February 19, Ferguson remained noticeably silent, fueling speculation about her whereabouts. 

The Blast reported that those close to her noted she is in a bad condition and was struggling with her mental health, fearing that the scrutiny would soon shift to her.

Days afterward, her location came to light. According to The Blast, Ferguson had quietly left the U.K. and admitted herself to the Paracelsus Recovery Clinic in Zurich, Switzerland, and has been there for a month. 

The wellness facility is considered among the most expensive in the world, with rates reaching $17,500 per night.

As Ferguson takes on recovery, more dots are being connected about Andrew's detention. 

Per The Blast, former Met Police Chief Superintendent Dal Babu explained that police don't usually need to arrest someone under investigation when they could simply request a statement. 

In Babu's view, Andrew being taken into custody suggests "significant evidence." Babu further noted that taking a suspect into custody enables authorities to conduct property searches tied to the investigation, emphasizing that such a move is never made lightly.

As the fallout from Andrew and Ferguson's troubles continues, their daughters are said to be confronting difficult truths.

As The Blast reported, a source alleged the sisters are "putting pieces of the puzzle together in real time and realizing they may have been used."

The insider added that the realization has left them heartbroken and in despair, but they are said to still love their parents.