Following their divorce, the couple had continued to live together at Royal Lodge, but that arrangement has come to an end, with Andrew relocating to a smaller property on the Sandringham estate without Fergie.

Fergie has not been seen in public for over three months, and it has emerged that her friendship with Epstein lasted longer than she initially claimed, sparking intense scrutiny.

The former Duchess of York has chosen not to join her ex-husband at his new home on the Sandringham estate, fueling speculation about the end of their unconventional living arrangement.

Emails released in January as part of the Epstein files reveal that Fergie had asked Epstein for financial help and referred to him as a 'supreme friend', despite his history of child sex crimes.

Before the Epstein scandal broke, Fergie had consistently defended her ex-husband against allegations of sexual assault, which he has always denied.

In a 2021 interview, Fergie stated that she still stood by her wedding vows and considered Andrew a 'thoroughly good man' and a good grandfather, but she has since remained silent on the matter.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has expressed surprise at how quickly and permanently Fergie and Andrew seem to have gone their separate ways, given their history of mutual support.

For years after their divorce, Fergie had praised Andrew, describing him as her 'bestest friend', but that is no longer the case, according to Bond.

The pressure of the Epstein scandal has taken a significant toll on their relationship, and Andrew's eviction from Royal Lodge appears to have been the final straw.

The situation has also caused strain on family relationships, particularly for their daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, who are caught in the middle of the scandal.

Fergie is facing growing pressure to provide sworn testimony in the United States about her knowledge of Epstein's activities, with some calling for her to come forward and share what she knows.

A US congressman has stated that he would be willing to work with Fergie to find a suitable arrangement for her to give testimony under oath, emphasizing the importance of her cooperation.

A lawyer representing Epstein's victims has also called for Fergie to speak to the police in the UK and share any information she may have, arguing that it is long overdue for her to take action.

Gloria Allred, the lawyer, believes that Fergie's association with Epstein and her failure to acknowledge his crimes earlier make it essential for her to come forward and provide testimony.

Jennie Bond agrees that Fergie should give evidence to the American committee investigating Epstein, as it would demonstrate respect for the victims and help to bring closure.

Bond also suggests that Fergie's decision to withdraw from public life may not be the most effective way to handle the situation, as she will eventually be spotted and photographed, and it would be better for her to take control of the narrative.

The situation is a complex and sensitive one, with many different parties involved and various factors at play, making it challenging to predict how it will unfold.

As the scandal continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Fergie and Andrew will navigate their new reality and the challenges that lie ahead.

The couple's relationship has been subject to intense scrutiny over the years, and this latest development is likely to be closely watched by the media and the public.

The consequences of the Epstein scandal are far-reaching, and it is clear that Fergie and Andrew will not be able to return to their previous way of life, at least not in the near future.