Few expected Sarah Ferguson to remain away from the spotlight indefinitely—and, as astute as ever, she chose a striking moment to return.

Thursday’s memorial service for her former lover and long-time confidant was an event from which few could reasonably have expected her to stay absent.

Even so, some may question whether her appearance at the thanksgiving service celebrating motor-racing figure Paddy McNally’s life crossed the line from bold to brazen.

Ferguson had prudently skipped McNally’s funeral in July, choosing instead to send her daughter Princess Beatrice as her representative. But for the woman known within the Royal Family as the “red setter”, the Knightsbridge service offered an ideal chance to reconnect with the public—and remind the public of her presence.

If the timing was merely coincidental, it was nevertheless remarkable. The service came almost a year after the privileged world Sarah Ferguson had long taken for granted collapsed around her. In that time, she lost both her position and her title as Duchess of York, as well as her home and sense of purpose, while charities and businesses hurried to cut ties.

Unlike her former husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Ferguson was offered no alternative refuge. Although Andrew was stripped by his brother, the King, of his princely title and HRH style and required to leave Royal Lodge, he was given a home on the Sandringham estate. Ferguson, by contrast, was left to manage on her own. Many believed that, without the royal trappings to which she had become so attached, she would struggle to survive.

Yet the former duchess has always shown a notable resilience. Her royal life has been a long story of overcoming adversity—much of it stemming from troubles she helped create herself.

After such a bleak year, there was something impressive about her decision to appear at such a prominent gathering. She was not alone: both daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, attended alongside their husbands.

The fallout from their parents’ disgrace has also affected the sisters, whose loyalty has at times been pushed to breaking point. They, too, have been drawn into the turmoil created by their mother and father’s ruinous decisions.

Still, as Ferguson took her seat in the pews at St Paul’s Church, close to Harrods, her familiar self-belief was unmistakable. She did not retreat from the cameras, although the smile she offered came from a visibly weary face, reflecting the strain of the past 12 months.

For a woman so strongly drawn to royal ceremony and the attention that comes with it, the disappearance of that spotlight must have been difficult. So, too, must the secluded and almost secretive existence she has led over the past year.

Before Thursday, she had been seen in public only once in 15 months. On that occasion, she was found staying at a remote £2,000-a-night spa in the Austrian Alps, where loyal friends described her voluntary isolation as a period of “recalibrating”.

Ferguson’s sudden retreat from public life prompted considerable speculation. Was she preparing another memoir, following the two books she had already written? Was she rehearsing a revealing interview that some claimed could “blow the doors off” the House of Windsor? Perhaps she was planning a comeback—or finally undertaking the sustained period of introspection that had seemed absent for so long.

Her appearance—battered but not defeated—just a short distance from Buckingham Palace points to another possibility: that she hopes to reclaim a version of royal life. Her daughters were not the only royals present. Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips also attended, sharing McNally’s interest in motor sports.

It may have been fortunate for Ferguson that the King was thousands of miles away on a Commonwealth tour of the Caribbean when his former sister-in-law chose to re-enter London society.

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Even so, some will argue that her return has come too soon. The shadow of the Jeffrey Epstein affair continues to hang over her former husband, and Ferguson’s presence serves as an uncomfortable reminder that she was not entirely removed from the sordid saga herself.

The cache of emails published by America’s Department of Justice earlier this year revealed deep financial, personal and affectionate ties between Sarah and the paedophile businessman.

In one she described him as ‘the brother I have always wished for’; in another she gushed: ‘You are a legend. I really don’t have the words to describe, my love, gratitude for your generosity and kindness. ‘Xx I am at your service. Just marry me.’

But much more damaging were communications in which she described Epstein as her ‘supreme friend’ and apologised for publicly criticising him.

Her most damning dealings, which earned her considerable public opprobrium, involved her daughters. Just days after Epstein was released from a 13-month sentence for soliciting an under-age girl for prostitution in 2009, Ferguson took Beatrice and Eugenie, then aged 20 and 19, to meet him, flying to the US on air tickets he had paid for.

On Thursday, she looked less edgy than she had back in April at the Mayrlife health clinic in Austria, where the super-rich and supermodels are drawn to its expensive mollycoddling. Perhaps it was the security of being with family and friends, or maybe it was simply that she was honouring the man who represented a less chaotic time.

Before Andrew, Paddy McNally was the man at her side. They met after Fergie was recruited to look after McNally’s young sons Sean and Rollo after the death of his wife Anne in 1980. The two became lovers, but he never asked her to marry him. He was simply too busy. McNally was then on his way to amassing a fortune earned in partnership with F1 tycoon Bernie Ecclestone with whom he revolutionised corporate entertainment on the world’s racetracks when he launched the Paddock Club.

This enabled him to live in some splendour, often in the Swiss ski resort of Verbier where he owned no fewer than three chalets, one of which was euphemistically known as ‘Cocaine Castle’. He had his own Scottish grouse moor, a Wiltshire spread – James Bond creator Ian Fleming’s former country home – and a substantial villa in St Tropez.

Over these past months, McNally put both his homes in Switzerland and the South of France at Fergie’s disposal as she flitted from safe house to safe house lying low. Some have wondered if his final gift was to bestow some of his £600 million fortune on her too.

‘Paddy was my father figure, 22 years older than me’, Fergie once said. ‘He taught me so much about life. Whenever I wanted advice, I turned to him because he was so worldly wise. He seemed to have seen and done everything.’

As she makes her first public appearance back in her homeland, Fergie could do with that advice more than ever.

A Sydney mother of four says she is heartbroken after her local council warned that her much-loved Halloween display may not continue following a complaint from a neighbour.

Every October, Sarah Naylor-Liddell turns her home in Oran Park, south-west Sydney, into “Spider House” — an elaborate attraction that draws hundreds of visitors.

She takes the entire month off work to create the display before opening her property to the public, free of charge, for the six days before Halloween.

But Camden Council has raised concerns about the attraction operating without the necessary checks and approvals, according to Ms Naylor-Liddell.

Earlier this week, she shared a tearful video on social media explaining the situation.

Ms Naylor-Liddell claimed the display could be forced to end after this year unless she completed the council’s permit process.

“It literally breaks my heart so much. I was told that even if I applied for a permit, that it’s going to get rejected,” she said.

She said the council contacted her after receiving complaints from residents living nearby.

Ms Naylor-Liddell believes a single complaint may have triggered the council’s intervention, although she said she did not know who had made it.

“We received a phone call that obviously the council has known about what we do,” she told A Current Affair.

“It took one person, one complaint. And of all these years, one person has complaints.”

The mother said she never imagined the attraction would become so popular. Visitors now travel from Wollongong, the Central Coast and even the Hunter Valley to see the display and take part in the Halloween celebrations.

“We had hundreds of people come by, then thousands. Now I have to have enough candy for at least 5,000 people on Halloween,” she said.

Her next-door neighbour, Lakshmi, said they had no issue with the decorations.

“We love it. It’s [been] happening every year for the past few years and we always go and support them,” they said.

The emotional appeal prompted an outpouring of support online, with locals rallying behind Ms Naylor-Liddell and warning that cancelling the display would disappoint large numbers of children.

‘Absolutely disgusting! This is going to break so many kids’ hearts,’ one person wrote.

One user described the council’s stance as ‘un-Australian’, while another suggested the council should focus on more pressing local issues.

‘This is absolute bulls***. You have a Karen living in your neighbourhood. I will be there to support you,’ a social media comment read.

A Camden Council spokesperson disputed the suggestion Ms Naylor-Liddell had been prevented from continuing the attraction, telling the Daily Mail the display could go ahead this year and the family was welcome to discuss future arrangements.

‘The activity has been operating without the appropriate checks and approvals being in place,’ the spokesperson said.

‘Council has advised the family that the display is not being stopped from proceeding this coming weekend.

‘However, if the family wishes to run the activity in future years, they will need to contact Council to discuss the appropriate approval pathway and work through any necessary checks and approvals before proceeding.’

The spokesperson said the council welcomed opportunities for the community to come together, provided they were organised safely, responsibly and in line with relevant requirements.

‘When activities grow to a scale that has the potential to affect public spaces and surrounding residents, it’s important that the appropriate approvals and requirements are in place,’ they said.

‘These processes help ensure the activities are safe, well-managed and considerate of the wider community, including matters such as traffic and pedestrian safety, noise and amenity impacts, food vendors, security and impacts on neighbours.’

‘This matter is not about Halloween decorations versus other decorations – it relates to the organised tours associated with the activity and the need to ensure everything meets the appropriate planning, safety and approval requirements,’ they said.

The spokesperson said the council’s role was to apply the requirements fairly and proportionately, while working with organisers to help them understand their responsibilities.

‘Council is happy to work with residents and community organisers to help them understand the requirements and deliver fun, safe activities across Camden,’ they said.

‘Residents planning future displays or activities are encouraged to contact Council early to discuss their plans and determine whether any approvals are required.’

CCTV has captured the final known sighting of Microsoft executive Jennifer Symonds, showing her visiting a restaurant with the man who later admitted killing her, just hours before her body was discovered in the River Thames.

Footage obtained by the Daily Mail shows Ms Symonds, 44, arriving at a Mediterranean-style bistro in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, with Nelio Gouveia, 45. Gouveia admitted in court yesterday that he killed her on March 6.

The pair entered the restaurant together at around 9.15pm during what has been described as a date. After a waiter told them the kitchen had closed, they left the premises.

Ms Symonds, wearing a long black coat, is seen entering first. Gouveia follows behind in a black jacket and ripped jeans.

Following the brief exchange with the waiter, she raises a hand in thanks before turning away and walking out. It was the last time she was seen alive.

Her body was found in the Thames, within the grounds of the Phyllis Court private members’ club, at 7.50am the next morning. The location was around half a mile from the restaurant.

Earlier that evening, Ms Symonds had met Gouveia for drinks in Henley. A disturbance was later heard near a pavilion close to the club between 2am and 3am.

Gouveia, who is understood to have worked as a kitchen porter at the club, was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with murder.

Gouveia appeared at Oxford Crown Court yesterday, where he pleaded guilty to killing Ms Symonds.

Wearing a grey prison tracksuit and supported by a Portuguese interpreter, he kept his head lowered throughout the short hearing.

Gouveia, from Henley-on-Thames, was remanded in custody by Judge Ian Pringle. He is due to return to Oxford Crown Court for sentencing on November 20.

Ms Symonds had worked as a senior customer success account manager at Microsoft and spent more than six years at the company’s UK headquarters in Reading. She was made redundant in January 2025.

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It is understood that she had arranged to meet Gouveia that day, although it remains unclear how they knew each other or what kind of relationship they had.

Before joining Microsoft, Ms Symonds held roles at several companies in London and Gloucester. She studied physical geography at the University of Gloucestershire from 2000 to 2003, where she also served as hockey captain.

A friend said: ‘She was finding it difficult to secure another job after leaving Microsoft and felt that her life had begun to unravel.

‘She told me she had gone to court last summer after accusing a former partner of assault, but he was ultimately cleared.

‘I believe Jennifer also found that outcome difficult. More recently, she had been struggling with her mental health while out of work.’

‘But she was a really lovely, warm-hearted person who loved to chat to people around town. She was very well-liked.’

Ms Symonds lived in a first-floor flat above a hairdresser’s in the centre of Henley, a three-minute walk from the River.

After her death, friends asked for any flowers laid in her memory to be left at a bench at Red Lion Lawn, described as her ‘favourite spot’.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Rob Underhill, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said: ‘My thoughts remain firmly with Jennifer’s family, who have lost someone who was dear to them.

‘Nelio’s actions on 6 March were heinous, and I am pleased that he has pleaded guilty.

‘This case demonstrates Thames Valley Police’s commitment to investigating violence against women and girls.

‘If you are a victim of violence, then please be reassured that we have specially trained officers who will listen and support you.’

Married At First Sight star Evelyn Ellis has revealed her latest Halloween makeover with boyfriend Duncan James.

However, it was her frank remarks about the couple’s future that are likely to spark the most discussion.

The reality television couple have built a reputation for their extravagant Halloween costumes. This year, they paid tribute to the hit comedy The Hangover by portraying two of its most memorable characters.

Speaking to Daily Mail, 31-year-old Evelyn said she stepped into the role of the outrageous Mr Chow, while Duncan dressed as the awkward Alan Garner.

“We were just thinking of iconic dynamic duos, and The Hangover kind of landed,” she said.

“We couldn’t think of anything that we loved more, so we committed to that idea.”

The latest looks follow another ambitious transformation from last Halloween, when the pair imagined their future by portraying elderly versions of themselves.

Yet Evelyn admitted that maintaining their increasingly elaborate Halloween tradition has become difficult, particularly as they feel compelled to surpass their previous efforts each year.

“Every year, we just want a better and better costume. So that’s the challenging part,” she said.

“I think last year we worked out our costumes in June. This year, it was very last minute because we couldn’t figure out what to do. It’s been so hard to top it every year.”

Although the couple may already look the part of a married pair in their costume photos, Evelyn made clear that she is growing less willing to wait for that milestone in real life.

The former MAFS bride has been dating Duncan for more than three years and said she no longer bothers hiding her hopes for an engagement.

When asked whether she was content to remain Duncan’s girlfriend indefinitely, Evelyn replied: “I don’t think any woman should be complacent.”

“I think it’s about progressing to the next level and being very stern on what you want.”

Evelyn said she and Duncan have always been open about what they want from their relationship, before teasing that her boyfriend may need to act quickly.

“I guess Duncan’s got to get moving soon, doesn’t he?”

And it appears Duncan is facing pressure from more than just his girlfriend.

The brunette beauty revealed her mother has become personally invested in the prospect of an engagement, even going so far as to present Duncan with detailed diamond specifications.

‘I’m getting pretty crazy, not gonna lie. I’ll give you that much,’ Evelyn laughed when asked whether she had stepped up her hints.

‘Sometimes I’ll get dressed up, and I’ll leave the house, and I’ll be like, ‘You know what would be the finishing touch of this outfit?’

The answer, of course, is an engagement ring.

Evelyn admitted the pressure has become something of a family affair, with friends and relatives equally eager to see Duncan get down on one knee.

‘I think kind of all of Australia has my back, which I kind of feel bad for him,’ she said.

‘All my friends, his family, my family, we’re all like, ‘When is it happening?’

She then revealed just how involved her mother has become.

‘The other day, my mum came over with a diamond certificate and placed it in front of his face,’ she said.

‘She’s so aggressive with it, telling him which specs to get. She’s so intense.’

The revelation comes after Duncan previously told the Daily Mail that he knew exactly which diamond shape Evelyn wanted.

But while marriage is clearly on Evelyn’s mind, the former reality star insisted she is in no hurry to start a family.

Asked whether turning 31 had changed her perspective on motherhood, particularly after previously discussing her mother’s encouragement to freeze her eggs, Evelyn said she wasn’t feeling pressured.

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‘I can see how people could think that, but I don’t think I’m in a rush,’ she explained.

‘I just turned 31. I have my whole life ahead of me.’

She added that women hoping to become mothers should educate themselves about their fertility options rather than wait until later in life.

‘I think every woman who wants to have a kid should do their research early, know what they want, know their bodies and explore all avenues.’

For now, Evelyn said her two beloved dogs, Pickles and Mustard, are more than enough to keep her maternal instincts occupied.

‘For now, Pickles and Mustard are my babies,’ she said.

‘They are our kids. They’re so involved in our lives.’

The pampered pooches are also getting in on the Halloween festivities, with Evelyn teaming up with Petbarn to celebrate the occasion and encourage other pet owners to dress up their furry companions.

The reality star said she particularly enjoys seeing strangers’ reactions when she takes her dogs for walks in their costumes.

‘Sometimes people look so serious, like they’re having a bad day, and then they look down and see the dogs’ costumes, and it just puts a smile on their faces,’ she explained.

‘Something that could be considered a novelty just brightens up everyone’s day, and I think that’s really special and powerful.’

And while Evelyn has always been devoted to her pets, she revealed Duncan has become equally obsessed with the dogs despite never owning one before their relationship.

She joked that her boyfriend has also accepted his place further down the household pecking order.

Evelyn admitted she has spared little expense when it comes to spoiling her four-legged family members.

Asked about her most outrageous pet-related purchase, she revealed she once forked out more than $10,000 to relocate one of her dogs from London to Australia.

‘The most ridiculous amount of money I’ve spent on my dog was getting my dog from London to Australia when I moved countries. That was over $10,000,’ she said.

And it seems the spending hasn’t stopped there.

Evelyn revealed she is now considering alternative treatments for her pets, including hydrotherapy and red-light therapy, to help keep them in peak condition.

Away from her personal life, Evelyn also made a surprisingly frank admission about the challenges she and Duncan continue to face professionally because of their reality TV backgrounds.

Despite building successful careers and a loyal following since appearing on the 2023 season of MAFS, Evelyn claimed some businesses and events still refuse to work with them because of their television past.

‘I definitely think that people don’t take me seriously because I’m a reality star, but I think if I were in the UK or America, it would be much more celebrated,’ she said.

‘I still believe that people frown upon me and Duncan because we’ve done reality TV.’

She added: ‘There are still people, brands and events that say no to us because we’ve been on reality TV.’

Evelyn suggested Australia remains behind overseas markets when it comes to embracing reality television personalities and recognising their success beyond the shows that made them famous.

However, she praised Petbarn for embracing the couple and their genuine love of animals.

‘It’s so special to align with something like Petbarn, where it’s such a genuine brand alignment, and they really celebrate us as real people,’ she said.

As for Halloween itself, Evelyn said she hopes more Australians embrace the celebration and learn to take themselves a little less seriously.

‘I feel like we live in a society where everyone wears a mask, everyone’s so uptight, and no one likes to have fun,’ she explained.

‘I love Halloween because it’s one of those times of the year when you can dress up, be silly, release your inner child, be playful and just have a good time.’

And after showing off their latest transformation, Evelyn hinted she and Duncan might have another costume change planned before the festivities are over.

‘We’re going to stock up on lollies and make sure the kids have enough sweet treats when they come knocking on the door,’ she said.

‘And maybe we’ll step out and go to a party. Maybe we’ll do something a little bit sexier.’