Sarah Ferguson's Communications with Jeffrey Epstein Revealed in DOJ Documents
Newly released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice, part of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, detail communications between Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, and the convicted sex offender between 2009 and 2011. These revelations follow a period of public scrutiny regarding Ms. Ferguson's past association with Epstein. Separately, her charity, Sarah's Trust, announced its closure, and several of her business ventures have reportedly initiated winding-up proceedings.
The newly released "Epstein files" contain email exchanges from Ms. Ferguson to Jeffrey Epstein, occurring from 2009 to 2011, following Epstein's 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution.
Key Details from Email Exchanges (2009-2011)
The documents, released as part of the so-called Epstein files, contain several notable email exchanges:
- August 2009: Ms. Ferguson referred to Epstein as "the brother I have always wished for." She also thanked him, mentioning his kindness and a lunch meeting that reportedly led to business opportunities for her company, Mother Army.
- September 17, 2009: Weeks after Epstein's release from prison, an email from Ms. Ferguson discussed a single woman with a "great body" and suggested Epstein meet her. The message also contained the line, "OK well marry me and then we will employ her."
- October 2009: Ms. Ferguson requested "20,000 pounds for rent today" from Epstein.
- June 2010: Ms. Ferguson wrote to Epstein, stating, "You are a legend," and expressing "love, gratitude for your generosity and kindness. Xx I am at your service. Just marry me."
- July 2010: Ms. Ferguson referred to Epstein as her "pillar."
Further communications detailed include a July 24, 2009, email from Epstein's assistant, Lesley Groff, to Epstein. The email requested that Epstein cover the cost of approximately $US15,000 for Ms. Ferguson and her daughters' flights from London to Miami, shortly after his prison release. It remains unclear if Epstein paid for the travel, though Ms. Ferguson and her daughters did travel to the U.S. soon after. They reportedly had lunch with Epstein five days after his prison release, accompanied by her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
Past Apologies and Reported Developments
In a 2011 interview, Ms. Ferguson issued an apology for her friendship and financial dealings with Epstein, stating she "abhorred paedophilia" and was ending ties with him. She described a £15,000 loan from Epstein as a "gigantic error of judgement." Emails between Epstein and his publicist, Mike Sitrick, later discussed the necessity for Ms. Ferguson to issue an additional apology.
In 2011, The Mail on Sunday reported that Ms. Ferguson had sent Epstein an email calling him a "steadfast, generous and supreme friend" approximately a month after she claimed to have severed ties. Following this report, several UK charities reportedly ended their associations with Ms. Ferguson. Ms. Ferguson had also previously stated that she regretted her friendship with Epstein and accused him of befriending her solely to "get to Andrew."
It has been noted that being named in the Epstein files does not imply any wrongdoing.
Recent Business and Charitable Activities
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. In the past week, six of Ms. Ferguson's business ventures have reportedly initiated winding-up proceedings.
Ms. Ferguson is reportedly residing in the United Arab Emirates following her departure from Royal Lodge.
Broader Context: Prince Andrew and Victim Focus
Ms. Ferguson is the ex-wife of Prince Andrew, Duke of York. The couple divorced in 1996 but have maintained a close relationship and shared living quarters. Prince Andrew has been accused of multiple sexual assaults by a woman trafficked by Epstein; Prince Andrew denies these allegations.
Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and brother to Prince Andrew, commented on the broader context of the Epstein case, stating:
"It is really important, always, to remember the victims and who are the victims in all this."