Emails from the Epstein files indicate that Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, visited Jeffrey Epstein twice in 2009 while he was serving a prison sentence for child sex crimes. A third planned meeting fell through, according to the correspondence.
Visits During Epstein's Prison Sentence
Epstein was sentenced in 2008 for child sex offences and served 13 months of an 18-month sentence, a deal widely criticized as lenient. He was allowed day release to work at an office in Palm Beach, Florida. Emails show that on April 4, 2009, an account appearing to belong to Ferguson asked Epstein: "Hello Jeffrey. I am landing in Palm Beach in a couple of hours. Is there any chance on my quick layover, that I can get to have a quick cup of tea... Love Sarah The red Head.!!" Epstein replied, providing his office address and phone number, noting it was "ten minutes from airport."
During this visit, Ferguson reportedly dropped off paperwork for a proposed project called Mother's Army, described by Reuters in 2010 as an "internet based network to connect women in need with people ready to help." Epstein responded two days later, writing, "you look great.. I read everything you gave me" and offering advice on the project.
Gushing Emails and Business Proposals
Days later, the account believed to be Ferguson's sent a gushing reply: "My dear spectacular and special friend Jeffrey. You are a legend, and I am so proud of you. Thank you for looking after me so well... I have read and devoured your email and am putting into action what you said." She added, "Thanks for being such a great friend. Lots of love Sarah. Xxxx."
On April 20, 2009, Ferguson attempted to arrange another visit, writing: "Can I come to see you on Monday? My flight lands at 12.15 from Grenada into Miami. So I could be with by 2ish. Then I have a 5pm to Houston, then onto Vancouver. So I could be with you for 1 hour for a brainstorming of your genius ideas.!!" She also requested a ride to and from the airport. Epstein replied, "i will make myself available.." and discussed his ideas for Mother's Army. Ferguson responded, "This is genius but then you are!" However, this visit fell through, with Ferguson emailing: "Aaaaghhh... Cannot make the flights and see you so it will have to be next week.... I am so sad. I was so excited to come to strip you of your ideas."
Second Visit and Continued Correspondence
Ferguson visited again on May 13, 2009, emailing: "I am coming into Palm Beach to see you on Wednesday I land at 9.30am. Can your brilliant... pick me up, bring me to you, The Great one!! And then take me to Miami!??? Please with roses on top! Love, Me. Xxx." Epstein was heavily involved in the Mother's Army project, with a proposed business plan giving him a 51 percent majority stake. An email from Ferguson on June 26, 2009, read: "I am alive and just getting my shit together to talk to you and yes I did go to the first lady and she loved the Mothers Army. I am going to call you later Love you." Epstein also asked Ghislaine Maxwell to "Call me about the mothers army" in July 2009.
Fallout and Apology
In 2011, Ferguson gave an interview to the Evening Standard saying she "abhors paedophilia" and called her relationship with Epstein a "gigantic error of judgement." However, she later emailed Epstein apologizing, calling him a "supreme friend." Spokespeople for Ferguson said she was acting under duress because Epstein had threatened her.
On August 8, 2011, Epstein emailed Ferguson about transferring the Mother's Army project back to her, writing: "still in paris, of course you can have mothers army, it was always for you... I will ask how the transfer is accomplished." An email from a third party confirmed that Epstein would continue to pay the annual fees for the website.
Sarah Ferguson has been contacted for comment. The York family's names appear in the Epstein files, but sources have previously claimed that Ferguson and her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, have no recollection of the visits.
