Documents released by the US Department of Justice have disclosed a series of communications between Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The emails, part of a larger set of files related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, cover exchanges from 2009 to 2011 and have prompted the closure of one of Ms. Ferguson's charitable organizations.
"You are the brother I have always wished for."
— Sarah Ferguson in an email to Jeffrey Epstein, August 2009
Timeline of Communications
2009
In August 2009, approximately one year after Epstein's conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution, Ms. Ferguson sent an email referring to Epstein as "the brother I have always wished for." She also expressed gratitude for a lunch meeting that she said led to business opportunities for her company, Mother Army.
Two months later, in October 2009, Ms. Ferguson sent an email requesting "20,000 pounds for rent today" from Epstein.
On September 17, 2009, weeks after Epstein's release from prison, an email from Ms. Ferguson described a single woman with a "great body" and suggested that Epstein should meet her. The message also included the line, "OK well marry me and then we will employ her."
2010
In June 2010, Ms. Ferguson wrote to Epstein stating, "You are a legend" and adding, "I really don't have the words to describe, my love, gratitude for your generosity and kindness. Xx I am at your service. Just marry me."
In July 2010, Ms. Ferguson referred to Epstein as her "pillar" in another email.
"I really don't have the words to describe, my love, gratitude for your generosity and kindness. Xx I am at your service. Just marry me."
— Sarah Ferguson to Jeffrey Epstein, June 2010
Travel and Financial Arrangements
According to the documents, on July 24, 2009, shortly after Epstein's release from prison, his assistant Lesley Groff sent an email requesting that Epstein cover approximately $15,000 for flights from London to Miami for Ms. Ferguson and her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. It is not confirmed whether Epstein paid for the travel. Reports indicate that Ms. Ferguson and her daughters did travel to the US shortly after the request.
Subsequent Developments
2011
In a 2011 interview, Ms. Ferguson apologized for her friendship and financial dealings with Epstein, stating she "abhorred paedophilia" and was ending her ties with him. She described a £15,000 loan from Epstein as a "gigantic error of judgement."
Later that year, The Mail on Sunday reported that Ms. Ferguson had sent an email to Epstein calling him a "steadfast, generous and supreme friend" approximately one month after claiming to have cut ties. Following this report, several UK charities ended their affiliations with Ms. Ferguson.
Emails between Epstein and his publicist, Mike Sitrick, discussed the need for Ms. Ferguson to issue a further apology.
2024 Developments
On Tuesday, Ms. Ferguson's charity, Sarah’s Trust, announced its closure for the foreseeable future. A spokesperson stated that the decision had been under discussion for months.
Reports indicate that six of Ms. Ferguson's business ventures have initiated winding-up proceedings within the past week. Ms. Ferguson is reported to be residing in the United Arab Emirates following her departure from Royal Lodge.
Related Context
Ms. Ferguson was married to Prince Andrew from 1986 to 1996. The couple divorced but have maintained a close friendship and shared living quarters. Prince Andrew has been accused of multiple sexual assaults by a woman trafficked by Epstein. He denies these allegations. Ms. Ferguson has stated that she regretted her friendship with Epstein and accused him of befriending her solely to "get to Andrew."
Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and brother to Prince Andrew, commented on the broader context, stating that it is "really important, always, to remember the victims and who are the victims in all this."
"It is really important, always, to remember the victims and who are the victims in all this."
— Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh
Being named in the Epstein files does not imply any wrongdoing.