Royal Funeral, Estate Speculation
Princess Beatrice attends Paddy McNally's funeral, representing Sarah Ferguson amid inheritance speculation and scrutiny
Key Points
McNally built a fortune of about £600 million, largely from his Formula One hospitality empire, including the £262 million sale of his Allsport Management business in 2006.
Beatrice attended the funeral alone (without husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi) and is reported to have entered the service via a private road beside McNally’s estate.
There is ongoing speculation Ferguson could inherit from McNally's estate, but insiders say it's not guaranteed; one observer noted Paddy had provided for her throughout his life.
A wider memorial service is planned in London later this year, with Berkeley Square identified as the venue for the tribute.
Ferguson has kept a low public profile amid Epstein-related criticism, including reports she sought refuge at McNally’s Verbier villa.
Princess Beatrice attended the funeral of Paddy McNally on August 13, standing in for her mother Sarah Ferguson, who did not appear at the service. InStyle reported that Beatrice served as Ferguson's representative at St James' Church in Wiltshire, where mourners gathered to farewell the Formula One hospitality tycoon who died at 88 after a long illness.
McNally built a fortune estimated at around £600 million over decades in motorsport business. His Allsport Management company, which helped bring luxury hospitality suites to Formula One, sold for about £262 million in 2006. He and Ferguson had a long relationship and remained close friends until his death, Perth Now reported.
Beatrice Enters Quietly as Fergie Stays Out of Sight
Beatrice, 38, arrived at the funeral without her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. She entered the church via a private road beside McNally's estate, according to Female First. Ferguson was not pictured at the event at any point. Beatrice's solo appearance underscored how much her mother is relying on her to show up in public right now.
Ferguson has kept a very low profile in recent months. She faced criticism over her past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Reports also placed her at McNally's chalet in Verbier, Switzerland, where she reportedly sought refuge. The duchess has not made a notable public appearance in some time, Yahoo News UK noted.
McNally's £600 Million Formula One Empire Explained
McNally was not a household name, but he reshaped how Formula One looked and felt for wealthy fans. He built Allsport Management, which ran the famous Paddock Club — the VIP hospitality operation at Grand Prix races worldwide. He sold the business in 2006 for around £262 million.
By the time of his death, McNally's total fortune sat at an estimated £600 million. He owned several luxury properties, including chalets in Verbier. Perth Now described him as a key figure who helped bring corporate hospitality to the front of motorsport culture over several decades.
Will Ferguson Inherit? Insiders Say It Is Not Certain
There is active speculation that Ferguson could be named in McNally's estate. The two were partners in the 1980s before she married Prince Andrew, and they stayed close for the rest of his life. However, insiders say an inheritance is far from guaranteed, InStyle reported.
One observer close to the situation noted that McNally had already provided for Ferguson generously throughout his life. That suggests any formal bequest may not be a given. Full details of his estate have not been made public, and no official confirmation has been released.
London Memorial Planned Later This Year at Berkeley Square
Wednesday's service in Wiltshire was a private funeral for close family and friends. A larger memorial is being planned for later this year in London. Berkeley Square has been identified as the venue, Yahoo News Canada reported. That event is expected to draw a wider circle of McNally's associates from the motorsport and business worlds.
The London tribute would give Ferguson a more public setting to pay her respects, if she chooses to attend. It may also serve as a formal farewell from the Formula One community that McNally helped shape over his long career. No date for the London memorial has been confirmed yet.
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