Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and ex-wife of Prince Andrew, has been removed as a patron or ambassador from several charities after leaked emails surfaced showing her referring to Jeffrey Epstein as a “steadfast, generous and supreme friend.”
Organizations including Julia’s House, Teenage Cancer Trust, Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, Prevent Breast Cancer, the British Heart Foundation, and the Children’s Literacy Charity announced they had severed ties with Ferguson following the revelations. Julia’s House confirmed the decision in a statement, emphasizing that it would be inappropriate for her to continue in her role.
Leaked Emails Reveal Ferguson’s Continued Contact With Epstein Despite Public Denouncement
The scandal stems from Ferguson’s past relationship with Epstein, which she had publicly renounced in 2011 during an interview with the Evening Standard.
At the time, she expressed “deep regret” for her association with him and vowed never to engage with him again, three years after his conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Despite this, leaked correspondence suggests she continued communication with Epstein, in which she apologized for distancing herself and praised him in glowing terms.
In one of the alleged emails, Ferguson acknowledged being advised to cut ties with Epstein for the sake of her career and reputation but reassured him of her loyalty.
She wrote that she was warned that maintaining contact could harm both her and Prince Andrew, but she sought to placate Epstein, suggesting she was under significant pressure. Her words have since reignited scrutiny over her past dealings with the disgraced financier, especially given her public promises to sever all ties.
Ferguson Defends Epstein Email as Charities Cut Ties Amid Growing Royal Scandal
A spokesperson for Ferguson defended her actions, telling The Guardian that she stood by her original condemnation of Epstein and had only sent the email under advice, as Epstein had threatened legal action.
The representative said Ferguson had been “taken in by his lies” and emphasized that she cut ties as soon as she understood the full extent of the allegations. The explanation, however, has done little to quell criticism, as several charities swiftly acted to distance themselves from her.
The controversy further highlights the shadow Epstein’s legacy continues to cast over British royalty. Epstein died by suicide in a U.S. jail in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges, and his former partner, Ghislaine Maxwell, was later sentenced to 20 years in prison for facilitating abuse.
Prince Andrew, whose own ties to Epstein led to sexual assault allegations, was stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages in 2022. Now, Ferguson finds her philanthropic career significantly damaged, with her reputation once again entangled in the fallout of Epstein’s crimes.
