The 56-year-old has confirmed she’s applying for permanent residency in the landlocked country she adores.
The keen skier has carved up the slopes in the resort town of Verbier since she was a teenager, and enjoyed many happy years with her ex-husband and their daughters, princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, were spent there.
“I have begun the process of officially becoming a resident of Valais,” she tells Swiss newspaper Le Nouvelliste. “The administrative procedures are underway.”
Sarah’s skiing lifestyle helped carve her svelte figure.
The Duchess split from Prince Andrew in 1996, but remained close enough that in 2014, 20 years after their divorce, they bought a property together in Verbier.
At the time, the $26 million, seven-bedroom chalet with a heated indoor swimming pool, a private chef and floor-to-ceiling windows, was described as a nest egg for Beatrice and Eugenie.
“Neither of them have their own property, and wanted to buy the chalet as an asset to leave to their children,” a source told the Daily Mail.
“They holiday in Verbier several times a year as all the family are keen skiers, and it makes sense to have their own place.”
The Yorks on a family holiday in Verbier.
Now, however, it seems the frequent ski trips aren’t enough for Fergie.
“Since that first visit, I have regularly returned for holidays to Verbier,” says Sarah. “My family has followed me over the years. We feel free and happy, we feel at home. Anyway, I call it ‘my home’.
Speaking of the region, Fergie adds, “There is a sense of welcome. The people of Valais take the time to listen to you, support you if necessary.”
And it helps that she loves the local produce!
” I appreciate good wines, La Dôle in particular, and this white wine called Les Murettes. A delight. Not to mention the dried meats and cheeses. The raclette, of course, or fondue with truffles. This is why I am always on a diet.”
