Sarah Ferguson Reportedly Left a Share of Former Partner Paddy McNally’s £600 Million Fortune
Sarah Ferguson has reportedly been named as one of the beneficiaries of the estate belonging to her former partner, businessman and ex-racing driver Paddy McNally, who died earlier this week at the age of 88.
McNally, who had built a substantial fortune estimated at around £600 million, passed away following a long illness. The businessman was known for his successful career in the world of business as well as his passion for horse racing. His connection with Sarah Ferguson dates back to the 1980s, before she went on to marry Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
According to reports, Ferguson has been left a portion of McNally’s considerable wealth following his death. The details of the inheritance have not been publicly confirmed, but sources have suggested that the former Duchess of York was included in his final arrangements.
The news has attracted attention because of the long history between Ferguson and McNally, whose relationship developed several decades ago before she became a member of the Royal Family.
McNally was a wealthy businessman with several impressive properties, including Warneford Place in Wiltshire, which was once owned by Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond. He also owned Buckland House in Oxfordshire, another significant estate connected to his successful business career.
The businessman was also believed to have supported Ferguson during a difficult period in her life. Reports claim that McNally allowed the former Duchess to stay at his luxury Swiss chalet, valued at approximately £15 million, after she and Andrew were forced to leave Royal Lodge.
The reported arrangement came after renewed attention surrounding the former couple’s connections to convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. The controversy created further pressure around Ferguson and Andrew’s public lives.
Before their romantic relationship began, Ferguson had worked closely with McNally’s family. Following the death of his wife, Anne Downing, Ferguson reportedly became a nanny for his two sons, Sean and Rollo.
McNally and Downing had married in 1967, and after her death, Ferguson became part of the family’s life. Their professional relationship eventually developed into a romantic connection during the 1980s.
The relationship between Ferguson and McNally was widely discussed at the time because of their different backgrounds and McNally’s wealth and status. However, their romance eventually came to an end after reports claimed that Ferguson wanted a stronger commitment from him.
It has been suggested that their relationship ended after Ferguson issued an ultimatum at the Italian Grand Prix, hoping McNally would propose. When that did not happen, the couple separated.
Shortly afterward, Ferguson’s life took a dramatic turn when she became engaged to Prince Andrew. She married the Duke of York in 1986 in a major royal wedding watched by millions around the world.
Although her marriage to Andrew later ended in divorce in 1996, Ferguson has remained connected to the Royal Family and has continued to use her public profile for charitable work and media appearances.
McNally, meanwhile, continued building his reputation as a successful entrepreneur and horse racing figure. He was well respected within racing circles and became known for his involvement in breeding and owning racehorses.
His extensive wealth allowed him to maintain a luxurious lifestyle, including ownership of several valuable properties and involvement in exclusive social circles.
The reported inheritance has once again placed attention on Ferguson’s long-standing connections with wealthy figures outside the Royal Family. Throughout her life, she has maintained friendships and professional relationships with influential people in business, entertainment, and philanthropy.
While details of McNally’s estate remain private, reports of Ferguson’s inclusion highlight the lasting bond between the pair despite their romantic relationship ending decades ago.
The situation also reflects the complicated nature of Ferguson’s life after leaving her official role as a working royal. Over the years, she has faced financial challenges, public controversies, and intense media scrutiny, while also continuing to maintain friendships with people who supported her during difficult periods.
McNally’s reported generosity toward Ferguson demonstrates that their relationship remained significant even after they went their separate ways.
For now, questions remain over the exact value of Ferguson’s inheritance and what portion of McNally’s fortune she may receive. However, the reported decision has renewed interest in a relationship that began long before Ferguson became one of the most recognizable figures connected to the British monarchy.
Paddy McNally leaves behind a substantial legacy built through decades of business success, property ownership, and involvement in horse racing. His connection with Sarah Ferguson represents only one part of his long and eventful life, but it has become one of the most widely discussed aspects following his death.
