Princess Beatrice Attends the Funeral of Her Mother’s Former Partner Paddy McNally — But Sarah Ferguson Is Nowhere to Be Seen
Princess Beatrice appeared solemn as she attended the funeral of her mother Sarah Ferguson’s former partner, millionaire Formula One advertising executive Paddy McNally.
Princess Beatrice appeared solemn today as she attended the funeral of her mother’s ex-boyfriend Paddy McNally
Mr McNally died peacefully after a long illness – just two months the sudden death of his son Sean, one of his two boys by his late wife Anne
Formula One advertising mogul Mr McNally was buried at St James’ Church in Sevenhampton, Wiltshire, this afternoon
Sarah Ferguson and her ex-boyfriend, Paddy McNally, at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 2001
McNally, who died peacefully on July 22 at the age of 88 following a long illness, was laid to rest at St James’ Church in Sevenhampton, Wiltshire. It remains unclear whether Sarah Ferguson attended the service alongside her daughter.
McNally reportedly left behind a fortune estimated at around £600 million, accumulated largely through his successful hospitality business, Allsport Management, which he sold for £262 million in 2006.
Princess Beatrice bowed her head in respect as she attended Mr McNally’s funeral this afternoon
The 38-year-old princess wore all black as she attended the service
It is not known whether her mother, the former duchess of York, accompanied her to the funeral
His connection to Ferguson stretched back decades. The pair had a three-year relationship that ended in 1985, but McNally continued to support her financially and remained close to the former Duchess of York for many years.
Beatrice and her younger sister Eugenie also spent time at McNally’s properties during their childhood, although it is unclear how close the princess remained to him as an adult.
At the funeral, the 38-year-old royal wore black and bowed her head respectfully as she joined other mourners outside the church. She appeared to have attended without other members of her immediate family.
Ferguson, meanwhile, has largely withdrawn from public life in recent months following renewed scrutiny surrounding her long-standing association with Jeffrey Epstein. Her last major public appearance was reportedly at an Austrian luxury ski resort in April.
McNally died only two months after the sudden death of his son Sean, one of his two children with his late wife Anne.
The businessman had first met Ferguson after she was hired to help care for his sons following Anne’s death in 1980. At the time, McNally was building his fortune through his work with Bernie Ecclestone and the creation of the Formula One Paddock Club.
His wealth eventually allowed him to own luxury properties including three chalets in Verbier, a home in Wiltshire, a property in St Tropez and a Scottish grouse moor.
One of his Swiss chalets became infamous for the nickname “Cocaine Castle” because of the extravagant parties held there.
Although Ferguson and McNally ended their romantic relationship, they reportedly remained close throughout her marriage to Prince Andrew, their divorce and her later financial difficulties.
In recent months, Ferguson was reportedly staying at McNally’s £25 million Verbier chalet after leaving Royal Lodge and spending time at an Austrian spa.
Sources previously speculated that McNally could have made substantial financial provision for Ferguson after his death, possibly through a trust or regular allowance rather than a large lump sum.
Ferguson is said to have been devastated by his death and once described McNally as a “father figure” and “mentor,” saying she regularly turned to him for advice.
Royal commentators have now raised fresh questions about what McNally may have left behind and what his death could mean for Ferguson’s future.
Royal author Phil Dampier suggested that Ferguson could eventually use the financial security to rebuild her public image, launch another business venture or attempt to repair her relationship with the Royal Family.
He also believes she may remain in Britain rather than move overseas, potentially looking for a new home around Windsor.
For now, however, one striking detail remains: Princess Beatrice stood at McNally’s funeral — while the whereabouts of her mother, Sarah Ferguson, remain unclear.