Sarah Ferguson has been linked to a potential inheritance from former Formula 1 executive Paddy McNally after the motorsport figure died aged 88, with reports highlighting their decades-long friendship and his reported support for the Duchess of York.
McNally, who was once among Britain’s wealthiest individuals, died earlier this week after building a fortune estimated at around £600 million. Speculation has emerged over whether Sarah, known publicly as Fergie, could receive any financial benefit from his estate.
The pair remained close after dating before Ferguson’s marriage to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and reports suggest McNally provided her with a place to stay at his luxury Swiss chalet in his final days.
Paddy McNally’s fortune and property empire revealed
McNally built his wealth through his involvement in Formula 1 and international motorsport, later becoming known for his connections with wealthy figures and celebrities.
Before his death, he was reportedly ranked as the 240th richest person in Britain. His property portfolio included several high-value homes, including the eight-bedroom Les Gais Lutins chalet in Verbier, Switzerland.
The £15 million chalet, which features a guest suite and luxury facilities, gained attention in the 1980s when it was reportedly associated with extravagant parties attended by members of the international elite.
His other properties included Sevenhampton Place in Wiltshire, the former home of James Bond creator Ian Fleming. McNally reportedly bought the estate for £7 million in 1987, with its estimated value later rising to around £40 million.
A source familiar with their relationship said: “Paddy always looked after Sarah and at times over the past four decades she needed a lot of looking after.”
Sarah Ferguson’s changing royal position
The speculation comes during a difficult period for Ferguson, who was recently reported to have lost her residence at Royal Lodge and no longer uses her former Duchess of York title following changes to her public status.
Ferguson has previously addressed her association with Jeffrey Epstein, with observers noting that being mentioned in documents connected to Epstein does not imply wrongdoing.
The mother-of-two has maintained a public profile through charitable work, writing and media appearances, while continuing to be linked to the wider Royal Family through her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: “Sarah Ferguson has maintained important friendships outside royal circles for many years, but questions about inheritance depend entirely on the details of an individual’s will and estate.”
Inheritance questions remain unanswered
Despite growing speculation, there has been no public confirmation that Ferguson has been included in McNally’s will or that she will receive any part of his estate.
Legal experts have previously noted that inheritance decisions are private unless officially disclosed by executors or family members. Large estates involving property, investments and international assets can also take considerable time to resolve.
“It is important to note, however, that reports about possible inheritances are often based on speculation until official documentation is released,” says Dr Sarah Cooper, a legal specialist in private wealth at a UK advisory firm. “Estate arrangements can change significantly depending on tax planning, family circumstances and legal obligations.”
McNally’s death marks the end of a long career that connected him with the world of Formula 1, luxury property and British high society. For Ferguson, attention now remains focused on the nature of their friendship and whether it could have any financial consequences.
