Sarah Ferguson applies for Swiss residency in Verbier

Sarah Ferguson has filed for permission to become a permanent resident of Switzerland after moving to the £13 million ski chalet in Verbier that she owns with her ex-husband Prince Andrew.

The Duchess of York told a Swiss newspaper that she enjoys the "positive energy" of the upmarket ski resort and feels at "home" there.

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She has been travelling to the canton of Valais, where Verbier is situated, since she was 16, and has been skiing since she was three.

Speaking to Le Nouvelliste, she said: "Since that first visit, I have regularly returned for holidays to Verbier. 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. The administrative procedures are under way."

According to the Evening Standard, Sarah and Andrew bought the seven-bedroom luxury Chalet Helora in 2014. It boasts an indoor swimming pool and an in-house staff of six. Despite the couple's marriage ending in 1996, the pair have remained on friendly terms, and regularly enjoy family holidays in the area.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Switzerland is renowned as a tax haven for "its low levels of income tax and generous tax breaks".

The paper adds that a spokesman for the duchess said: "It is purely residency only, because that is where her primary residence is. That is where her home is."

People magazine adds that the duchess still has a room at Prince Andrew's Royal Lodge home in Windsor, which she will use for family occasions.

Verbier is recognised as one of the top "off-piste" resorts in the world.

As well as Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew, the Beckhams, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Oliver, and Jude Law are known to ski there.