Sarah Ferguson’s ‘deep emotional connection’ to Argentina home with reminder of late mother

Sarah Ferguson has left Royal Lodge behind her after she and ex-husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, were forced to leave the property in February 2026 under the instruction of the King. 

According to recent reports, Sarah has been spotted in Austria at a wellness retreat as she navigates the fallout from the loss of her Duchess of York title last year and her ex-husband’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office on 19 February 2026. 

However, the Daily Mail revealed earlier this week that Sarah has ties to a ranch in Argentina. Sarah’s cousin by marriage, Martin Barrantes, revealed to the newspaper that the former duchess is, in fact, the part-owner of the “vast” ranch.

Sarah’s connection to Argentina

Sarah’s connection to Argentina and indeed to Martin came through her late mother, Sarah Barrantes. Martin is the nephew of the late Argentine polo player Hector Barrantes, Sarah’s stepfather from 1975 until his death in 1990. 

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In 1998, the BBC reported of their living situation in Argentina: “Susan Barrantes travelled the world with Hector as he played polo, but they also had interests in Argentina, where the sport is most popular.

“They set up a vast ranch, Estancia El Pucara, on virgin pampas about 300 miles from Buenos Aires, developing it into a major equestrian centre. Each year, the couple returned to England to see the family during the polo season.”

After the death of Hector, Susan reportedly sold more than half the farm to the polo-playing Australian media magnate Kerry Packer and started commuting to Buenos Aires for work.

What happened to Sarah Ferguson’s mother?

Susan’s base in Argentina facilitated Sarah’s bond with the country. However, the doubt will hold bittersweet memories for the mother of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, as her mother passed away in tragic circumstances in 1998.

Susan died in a car accident while driving her Land Rover 520km west of Buenos Aires. Upon hearing of her mother’s death, Sarah flew from Italy, where she was on holiday, to London before travelling to Argentina for the funeral. 

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Susan was buried at the El Pucará estate. The former sister-in-law of King Charles has not visited Argentina since 2011.