Sarah Ferguson, Andrew friendship hit by Epstein scandal fallout

Sarah Ferguson and former Prince Andrew are reportedly no longer as close as they once were, with an insider claiming that the controversy surrounding their links to Jeffrey Epstein has badly affected their relationship. 

The former Duke and Duchess of York, who stayed living together for years after their divorce, were known for their strong friendship and often spoke publicly about their bond. 

However, a report by a US-based enertainment site revealed that the pressure and public scrutiny from the scandal have taken an emotional toll on both of them, changing the way they live and interact with each other.

Speaking on it, an insider revealed, "For decades, Sarah remained fiercely loyal to Andrew even when public opinion turned against him and many people within royal circles quietly stepped back.

"She defended him behind the scenes, stayed living alongside him and tried to preserve some sense of normality while the scandal swallowed up almost every aspect of their lives. 

"A lot of people were actually surprised by just how committed she remained throughout the worst periods of scrutiny."

They added, "But the sheer scale of the Epstein fallout eventually has taken such a devastating emotional toll on both of them it has now fundamentally altered the relationship they once had.

"What used to be a remarkably close partnership built on familiarity, trust and mutual dependence has become weighed down by stress, isolation and exhaustion. 

"Friends say there is now a sadness hanging over Sarah and Andrew's dynamic because the scandal changed the way they live, the way they interact and ultimately the future they imagined sharing together."