After Paddy McNally died aged 88 following a prolonged illness, reports emerged that the F1 tycoon could leave some of his £600 million fortune to his ex-girlfriend and long-term friend, Sarah Ferguson.
It was set to be a financial life-raft for Fergie, who was evicted from Royal Lodge, which she shared with her ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, in February 2026.
Now, royal biographer Andrew Lownie has shed doubt on these claims, suggesting that the multi-millionaire would not want his money associated with the royal's "tarnished" reputation.
Speaking about why his opinion has changed on the state of Paddy's will, he told Jeremy Kyle on his TalkTV show: "I’ve changed my view on [the McNally claims], having talked to some sources. I don’t think she’ll get anything from Paddy McNally.
"I think he was a wily old bird. He was very keen for his money to go to good causes, so it wouldn’t be tarnished by his link to her. So I don’t think she’s going to get anything from McNally, having understood last week that she might."
Inside Sarah's romance before she married into the royal family
© GettyTheir romance dates back to the 1980s, when Sarah was hired as a nanny for Paddy's two sons, Sean and Rollo, following the death of his wife Anne Downing.
During the chat with Andrew Lownie, Kyle described Sarah as an "It girl" in her 20s, while Paddy was 22 years her senior and an "aspiring, failed racing driver" who later created the F1 Paddock Club.
© GettyDespite a 22-year age gap, their connection turned romantic and they dated for three years, frequently appearing together on the international Grand Prix circuit. Paddy and Sarah reportedly split after he declined an ultimatum to marry her at the 1985 Italian Grand Prix, shortly before Sarah met Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Paddy's 'steadfast support' over four decades
Despite their breakup, the pair remained close friends for over four decades, with Andrew Lownie quoting Sarah as saying: "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."
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetPaddy, who sold his business Allsport Management in 2006 for £262 million, reportedly offered Sarah refuge at his £15 million Swiss chalet after her eviction from Royal Lodge.
"He was 25 years older than her, never wanted to marry her, but stayed close, we think. Through all the stuff that has happened between the Duke and Duchess of York, he apparently was this steadfast support," Kyle added.
Despite this unwavering loyalty, even in the face of adversity with her friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, Paddy may not have chosen to support Sarah financially following his death, according to Andrew Lownie.
