Sarah, Duchess of York, has broken her long-standing silence, expressing profound regret over her decision to email the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The revelation, which has cast a long shadow over her public life, is described by the Duchess as a "giant error" born from a period of intense personal and financial desperation.
In an exclusive interview, the Duchess revealed the contents of the 2010 email, in which she wrote to Epstein stating, "I am reaching out to you for a gentle and personal touch to a friend in order to help another." She has now stated this communication is something she deeply regrets.
A Decision Born from Desperation
The Duchess explained that her actions were driven by the immense pressure she was under at the time. Having struggled to repay a substantial loan to the now-defunct NatWest bank, she saw Epstein as a potential lifeline. "I have so much regret for that email," she confessed. "It was a giant error. I think in life, you have to be very strong to be able to say, 'I need help'."
She described the period as one of the lowest points in her life, feeling isolated and without support. "I was in so much despair, and I couldn't see a way out," she added, highlighting the vulnerability that led to the ill-fated communication.
The Aftermath and Royal Fallout
The email's discovery caused significant embarrassment for the Royal Family, coming just a year after Prince Andrew's own association with the disgraced financier had sparked a major controversy. The Duchess acknowledged the wider impact of her actions, admitting it placed an additional strain on the institution.
Buckingham Palace was reportedly furious over the correspondence, which threatened to reignite a scandal they were desperately trying to move beyond. The incident further complicated the public standing of the Duchess, who has worked for decades to rebuild her reputation since her divorce from Prince Andrew.
Moving Forward with Regret
Despite the passage of time, the Duchess's remorse remains palpable. She stated that the episode serves as a painful lesson, one that she has had to live with publicly. Her decision to speak out now is framed as an attempt to finally address a chapter of her life that has been a source of continuous speculation and criticism.
"It was a mistake, and I have to own that mistake," she concluded, emphasising her focus on her family and her charitable work as she continues to navigate life in the public eye.
