Duchess Applies To Make Switzerland Her Home

The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, has applied to become a permanent resident in Switzerland.

In an interview with a Swiss newspaper, the duchess said she feels "free and happy" in the country she now views as "home".

She told the Le Nouvelliste paper that "administrative procedures are under way" to make her move to the ski resort of Verbier official.

The duchess has already moved into the £13m chalet - Chalet Helora - which she bought with ex-husband Prince Andrew in 2014.

In the interview, Ms Ferguson said she learned to ski at the age of three and first travelled to the area when she was 16.

"Since my first visit, I have regularly returned for holidays to Verbier," she said.

"My family has followed me over the years. We feel free and happy, we feel at home.

"Anyway, I call it 'my home'. I find here a positive energy that allows me to focus on new philanthropic activities.

"Furthermore, I have begun the process of officially becoming a resident of Valais."

Switzerland is renowned as a tax haven for its low levels of income tax and tax breaks.

A spokesman for Ms Ferguson told The Times: "It is purely residency only, because that is where her primary residence is. That is where her home is."

The spokesman told the paper that the duchess would continue to use a room at Royal Lodge, the duke’s home in Windsor, for "family occasions".