Sarah Ferguson, 66, can’t seem to catch a break. After her past ties to the late American financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were uncovered, news has now emerged regarding an alleged secret romance with another controversial figure: convicted rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs, 56.
Combs is currently serving a sentence of four years and two months for sex trafficking and prostitution-related charges following one of the most high-profile U.S. trials in recent memory last fall.
© Stephane Cardinale - CorbisThe claims come from influential English biographer and author Andrew Lownie in an updated edition of his book, The Rise and Fall of the House of York. In the new chapters, the British royal expert asserts that the singer used to brag to his inner circle about his intimate encounters with Queen Elizabeth II’s former daughter-in-law. According to the American artist, they were "friends with benefits" who engaged in casual sexual encounters after meeting in 2004. The book claims the pair met at luxury hotels across Europe and Africa, allegedly staying in resorts costing upwards of $5,500 a night.
Regarding how it all began, it is reported they were introduced at a party hosted by Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s partner and accomplice, currently imprisoned for sex trafficking minors. The book also suggests that the perfume Unforgivable, launched by the music producer in 2006, was inspired by King Charles III’s former sister-in-law and her personal fragrance preferences.
© Paras GriffinIn response, Ferguson’s team has strictly denied the claims. In a statement to The Telegraph, they dismissed the reports as "absolute and fabricated nonsense, categorically false, and yet another false allegation on his part," referring to the author.
The mother of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie has been withdrawn from public life for months due to the surrounding scandals. However, she was photographed last April in a small Austrian village famous for its Alpine ski resort. There, while attempting to keep a low profile, she reportedly stayed in a high-end chalet.
© Jon FurnissPhotos published by The Sun showed Prince Andrew’s ex-wife stepping out of a Mercedes minivan wearing a blue coat and a white baseball cap. Prior to that trip, she attended St. James’s Palace in Westminster, London, in December for the christening of her granddaughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, alongside the rest of her family.
Since the Epstein case broke, the former Duchess of York has had many struggles and had to stepped down as patron for several charities, including Julia’s House, a children's hospice in Corfe Mullen, as well as The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, Prevent Breast Cancer, Children’s Literacy Charity, and the British Heart Foundation. In September 2025, emails she sent to the businessman were revealed, in which she called him a "supreme friend" after he allegedly helped her settle significant outstanding debts.
© Chris JacksonFollowing the publication of those emails, she was questioned in an interview and she expressed deep regret, stating she was "very sorry" and that accepting the financier's money was a "colossal mistake." Her literary career has also stalled; she was scheduled to release her new children's novel, Flora and Fern: Kindness Along the Way, on October 9. The launch was pushed to November 20 before ultimately being pulled from shelves.
