Sarah Ferguson's Communications with Jeffrey Epstein Revealed in New DOJ Documents

Newly released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice, part of files related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, detail communications between Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The exchanges, spanning from 2009 to 2011, include discussions of financial requests, personal sentiments, and business opportunities.

Communications Timeline: 2009-2011

The released documents outline various interactions between Ms. Ferguson and Mr. Epstein during this period:

• July 2009: Following Epstein's release from prison, an email from Epstein's assistant, Lesley Groff, requested he cover approximately $US15,000 for Ms. Ferguson and her daughters' flights from London to Miami. Ms. Ferguson and her daughters subsequently traveled to the U.S.

• August 2009: Ms. Ferguson referred to Mr. Epstein as:

  "the brother I have always wished for."

  She also expressed thanks for his kindness and a lunch meeting, which she stated led to business opportunities for her company, Mother Army.

• September 2009: Ms. Ferguson sent an email discussing a single woman, suggesting Epstein meet her, and included the line:

  "OK well marry me and then we will employ her."

• October 2009: Ms. Ferguson requested "20,000 pounds for rent today" from Mr. Epstein.

• June 2010: Ms. Ferguson wrote to Mr. Epstein, stating, "You are a legend," and expressing "love, gratitude for your generosity and kindness," adding:

  "I am at your service. Just marry me."

• July 2010: Ms. Ferguson referred to Mr. Epstein as her "pillar."

Shifting Public Stance and Consequences

The nature of Ms. Ferguson's public stance on her relationship with Mr. Epstein shifted considerably over time.

In 2011, during an interview, Ms. Ferguson publicly apologized for her friendship and financial dealings with Mr. Epstein. She stated that she "abhorred paedophilia" and was ending ties with him, describing a £15,000 loan from Epstein as a:

"gigantic error of judgement."

Following this public statement, emails between Mr. Epstein and his publicist, Mike Sitrick, discussed the need for Ms. Ferguson to issue a further apology.

A 2011 report by The Mail on Sunday subsequently revealed that Ms. Ferguson had sent Mr. Epstein an email calling him a "steadfast, generous and supreme friend" approximately one month after publicly claiming to have cut ties. Following this report, several UK charities severed their links with Ms. Ferguson.

Broader Context and Recent Developments

Ms. Ferguson, the ex-wife of Prince Andrew since 1996, has maintained a close friendship with him and shared living quarters. Prince Andrew was accused of multiple sexual assaults by a woman trafficked by Epstein, allegations he denies. Ms. Ferguson had previously stated regret for her friendship with Mr. Epstein, suggesting he was friends with her to "get to Andrew."

It is noted that being named in the Epstein files does not imply wrongdoing.

On Tuesday, Ms. Ferguson's charity, Sarah's Trust, announced its closure for the foreseeable future. A spokesperson for the charity stated that the decision had been under discussion for several months.

Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, commented on the broader context surrounding the Epstein files, stating the importance of remembering:

"the victims and who are the victims in all this."