According to an insider claim, the 66-year-old former Duchess of York has been looking into Scientology while dealing with the consequences of the controversy. Ferguson has largely stayed out of the public eye since the latest batch of documents became public.

During this difficult period, she is reportedly leaning heavily on longtime friend Priscilla Presley, 80, for support as she attempts to rebuild her life.

Life changes following the Royal Lodge departure

Ferguson and her former husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, were recently required to leave Royal Lodge, the Windsor residence where they had lived for more than two decades.

Sources say Ferguson is currently staying in New York and has been “couch surfing” with a small circle of friends who continue to support her, including Presley.

On Tuesday, a source told celebrity reporter Rob Shuter that Presley has been introducing Ferguson to people within her social circle, many of whom are connected to Scientology.

“Fergie has been spending a lot of time with Priscilla, and Priscilla’s circle includes a lot of people connected to Scientology,” the insider said.

“Right now she (Fergie)’s just listening, but Priscilla is definitely influencing her thinking.”

A friendship shaped by Lisa Marie Presley

Ferguson shared a particularly close relationship with Priscilla Presley’s late daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, who died in January 2023 at the age of 54.

The two women became friends when Lisa Marie was living in the United Kingdom with her then-husband, Michael Lockwood.

Ferguson later described their immediate connection.

“We immediately hit it off and were always there for each other,” she told OK! Magazine after Lisa Marie’s death.

She also recalled how Lisa Marie supported her during a difficult time.

“I remember during one bad time in my life, she sent me an airline ticket and picked me up from the airport and got me away from it all. I still can’t believe we have lost her so young.”

At Lisa Marie’s funeral, Ferguson spoke emotionally about their bond.

“I stand here with great honour because we called each other ‘Sissy’.”

A year later, Ferguson again honored her friend by posting a framed photograph of the pair on social media.

Priscilla Presley’s connection to Scientology

Priscilla Presley’s own involvement with Scientology dates back to the late 1970s. She was introduced to the religion by her friend and actor John Travolta after the death of her husband, Elvis Presley.

Lisa Marie, who grew up within the church, later wrote in her posthumous memoir that Scientology initially gave her a sense of belonging.

“My mum would drop me off after school at their building in Hollywood,” she recalled.

“I felt like she was dumping me there so they could handle me, and she didn’t have to.”

Lisa Marie eventually left the religion in 2014. While some have speculated that Priscilla may have stepped away from Scientology after her daughter’s departure, her representatives have maintained that she remained involved.

Searching for stability amid controversy

Insiders now claim Ferguson has shown curiosity about the religion while trying to regain balance in her life.

“She’s looking for guidance and stability right now- when your life gets turned upside down, you start exploring anything that might help,” the source said.

The reports come at a time when many of Ferguson’s celebrity acquaintances have reportedly distanced themselves following the release of the Epstein files, which detailed the extent of her relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

According to another insider who spoke with Page Six, some friends believe the timing makes public association difficult.

“Everyone’s telling her that now’s not a good time,” the source said.

“A lot of people actually really like her, but being associated with anyone associated with Epstein just isn’t wise right now.”

However, being mentioned in the files does not imply wrongdoing.