Biographer Andrew Lownie claims that MI6 placed Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson under surveillance because of their associations with questionable individuals, implicating their links to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to Lownie, a source within MI6 disclosed that their monitoring stemmed from concerns over the social circles the royal couple was involved with, which could have had negative implications for national security and public perception of the monarchy.

Historically, members of the Royal Family are not subjects of MI6 files, but they can be monitored if they are connected to individuals of interest. This raises concerns about the nature of Andrew and Sarah's relationships with such individuals, hinting at a larger web of associations that could reflect poorly on the British monarchy. The timeline of this surveillance remains unclear, adding to the intrigue surrounding their connections and the scrutiny that has surrounded them in light of allegations related to Epstein.

The implications of this surveillance are significant as they suggest ongoing concerns about the reputational damage to the royal family, particularly in the wake of scandals linked to Epstein and others. The public’s perception of Prince Andrew has already been tarnished by previous allegations, and this revelation could further complicate the royal family's standing in the eyes of the public, especially as they navigate a changing societal landscape where accountability and transparency are paramount.