Sir Richard Branson has dismissed speculation that Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, was staying on his private Caribbean island, Necker Island, following the release of new documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
A spokesperson for the Virgin Group founder stated that Branson has had no contact with Ferguson since the Epstein files were made public and confirmed she is not on Necker Island. The rumours emerged amid heightened media attention surrounding the Royal Family after a fresh tranche of Epstein-related documents was released.
The newly released files include references to Ferguson, her ex-husband Prince Andrew, and Branson, among other high-profile figures. The disclosures have renewed public attention on those previously associated with Epstein, though appearing in the files does not imply guilt.
Speculation that Ferguson may have left the UK gained traction partly because she and her daughters have previously holidayed on Necker Island. The denial comes as Prince Andrew faces renewed scrutiny following the publication of millions of pages of documents by the US Department of Justice. Among the files were emails where Branson appeared to joke about Epstein’s “harem”, which a Virgin Group spokesperson said was regrettable and made without knowledge of Epstein’s criminal behaviour.
