Sarah Ferguson spotted in public for the first time, seven months after disappearing from the public eye

The mystery surrounding Sarah Ferguson's whereabouts has reportedly been solved, seven months after she vanished from the public eye.

The former royal has now been spotted in public for the first time since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in February, popping up at a secluded hideaway in the Austrian Alps.

Per photos released by The Sun, Ferguson was seen standing next to a dark van at the remote location, attempting to conceal her distinctive red hair with a cap.

Speaking to The Sun, a source claimed: "Fergie has been keeping an incredibly low profile while high up in the Alps.

"The area is absolutely beautiful and it's very quiet most of the time, so it's the perfect place for a high-profile figure such as her to lie low when the heat is on."

Fergie, who was stripped of her titles along with former Prince Andrew, was last seen at the christening of her daughter, Princess Beatrice's second baby in December, but has not attended any public events since September.

The former Duchess of York has since opted to keep a low profile, after her close ties with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein were exposed.

READ MORE: Harry and Meghan fly commercial as they arrive in Sydney

READ MORE: 'Why Meghan's surprising reality TV move is no masterclass'

READ MORE: Meghan says 'I was the most trolled person in the world'

There have been several rumours regarding her whereabouts over the past few months, with some claiming that she'd been staying with friends at various locations around the world.

One such claim emerged that she'd spent time at the home of personal friend Priscilla Presley – which a rep for Presley later denied.

View gallery

Sarah Ferguson's life in pictures

Other reports said that she had been staying at various places around Europe, from a wellness center in Switzerland to another retreat in Donegal, Ireland.

Up until now, the whereabouts of the former Duchess of York were reportedly also kept from senior members of the royal family, including King Charles and Prince William.

Her disappearance from the public eye this year was so complete that even her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, may not have known exactly where she'd been from week to week, claims a New York-based gossip columnist.

Rob Shuter quoted a source in a recent Substack post, claiming "there's real uncertainty about how much Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie know. They may not have the full picture either."

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.