Fergie is said to be calling rich friends to try and find a new place to stay after her Austrian hideaway was exposed(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Disgraced royal Sarah Ferguson is said to be desperately phoning wealthy friends in search of a new place to stay after her secret Austrian hideaway was exposed, according to a source.

The 66-year-old, who had been lying low amid the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, is reportedly scrambling to find a fresh bolthole after her luxury retreat near Salzburg was blown.

Sources say Ferguson has been “working the phones” since the weekend, relying on her network of rich contacts as she looks to disappear from the spotlight once again. Her sanctuary — a £2,000-a-night apartment at the exclusive Mayrlife spa in Altaussee — had offered her a quiet escape from the storm back home in London.

Sarah Ferguson smiles and waves at the camera

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Fergie is said to be ‘working the phones’ trying to find a place to stay(Image: AP)

But that all came crashing down after photos emerged placing her at the lakeside resort, forcing her to abruptly move on. Insiders say she had been living an almost hermit-like existence during her stay, rarely leaving her chalet and avoiding all public areas.

She reportedly ordered all meals to her room, favouring dishes like bresaola with mozzarella and chicken breast, and kept contact with the outside world to an absolute minimum. Despite the spa’s idyllic setting, she was never seen on walking trails, by the lake or using its facilities, with one source suggesting she “barely stepped outside”.

Fergie has been pictured in Austria

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Fergie was pictured in Austria (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, are said to be increasingly worried, with Ferguson staying in constant contact by phone, MailOnline reports. Now, with her location compromised, she is believed to be turning to trusted friends to house her, with insiders insisting she “won’t be left with nowhere to go.”

One source said: “Sarah has good friends. People who know her well are happy to help her. She won’t be left with nowhere to go.”

But the urgency behind her frantic search is said to be driven by growing fears she could be dragged deeper into the Epstein scandal. While she has not been accused of any wrongdoing, Ferguson is reportedly bracing for the possibility of legal action from the United States. She has denied any wrongdoing in reference to her relationship with Epstein.

Fergie at her last public engagement in September

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Fergie at her last public engagement in September, the funeral of the Duchess of Kent(Image: UK Press via Getty Images)

Last month, a US congressional subcommittee formally requested she answer questions about her links to Epstein, with Congressman Suhas Subramanyam writing: “It is clear that you possessed social and business ties to Mr. Epstein and have knowledge of information that can assist our investigation.”

The letter also referenced past emails in which Ferguson described Epstein as “a legend” and wrote: “I really don’t have the words to describe my love, gratitude for your generosity and kindness… I am at your service. Just marry me.”

Those messages, sent after Epstein’s conviction, have continued to haunt her reputation. Royal expert Tom Sykes has also raised questions over how she funded her lavish spa stay, suggesting rumours of a potential tell-all book deal could be behind it.

He said: “The idea that she is financing an Austrian spa break out of her own pocket strains credulity.” One insider added: “She just wants a door that doesn’t open for strangers. That’s all it is. She wants to breathe.”