Sarah Ferguson seen in Austria after seven-month hiatus

Sarah Ferguson has been located keeping a low profile at a luxury ski resort in Austria, after being out of the public eye for over seven months amid rising pressure to address her links to Jeffrey Epstein.

The 66-year-old, who was stripped of her Duchess of York title last year when King Charles removed both her and her ex-husband's royal statuses, has been out of sight for 213 days.

US lawmakers have called for her to testify before Congress to account for what they call her "close personal and business relationships" with the convicted sex criminal, who passed away in jail in 2019.

Ms. Ferguson has steadfastly denied any misconduct. Currently, she has not responded to the congressional request.

Images obtained by the Sun show the mother-of-two with a serious expression as she exits a darkened Mercedes van near her lodging on Wednesday.

Ms. Ferguson appeared to take conscious measures to avoid being noticed, hiding her iconic red hair under a white baseball cap, dressed in a blue coat, and holding a teal raffia bag.

An insider revealed: "Fergie has been maintaining an exceptionally low profile while in the Alps.

"Her outfit choice when she stepped out was clearly selected to keep her from being recognised."

The lodging reportedly costs £2,000 each night, with insiders noting she rarely leaves the premises.

Ms. Ferguson went into seclusion following her and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's eviction from Royal Lodge in Windsor at the beginning of February.

She also dissolved six businesses within a span of just three days in February.

An insider detailed the effects of the revelations: "The Epstein Files have landed with significant force and Sarah has chosen not to be seen by anyone. She's largely in seclusion and isn't ready to confront the situation.

"While she's aware the controversy isn't disappearing, she's essentially burying her head in the sand and has opted to remain hidden as long as possible."

It appears that Ms. Ferguson currently has no stable residence, having shared Royal Lodge with Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor since 2008.

The insider continued to share with the Sun: "The demands for her to engage with the authorities are increasing steadily."

Her former spouse was taken into custody on February 19 on charges of misconduct connected to his ties with Epstein.

He was later released under investigation and has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The King's younger brother had been residing at Wood Farm on the Sandringham property after being ousted from Royal Lodge, but has now permanently relocated to Marsh Farm.

His daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, attended Christmas with King Charles and the extended Royal Family at Sandringham last year.