Sir Richard Branson has been compelled to issue a firm denial regarding speculation that Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has sought sanctuary on his private Caribbean island. This follows reports that Ms Ferguson, aged 66, departed the United Kingdom shortly before Prince Andrew vacated Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park under the cover of darkness earlier this week.
Denial of Island Refuge
A spokesperson for the Virgin Group magnate explicitly refuted claims published in the US weekly magazine People, which suggested Ms Ferguson would be "overseas for the next few weeks" while contemplating her future. Rumours had circulated that she might be staying on Necker Island, Branson's exclusive 74-acre retreat in the British Virgin Islands.
The spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'Sir Richard has had no contact with Sarah Ferguson following the release of the Epstein files and, contrary to some media reports, can confirm she is not on Necker Island either.'
Epstein Files Implicate Both Figures
Both Sir Richard and Ms Ferguson have found themselves embroiled in renewed controversy following the disclosure of the latest batch of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. It is important to note that mere appearance in these files does not constitute evidence of guilt or misconduct.
Among the three million files released by the US Department of Justice on Friday are email exchanges in which the Virgin founder appeared to make lighthearted remarks about Epstein's "harem." In one correspondence dated September 11, 2013, Epstein thanked Branson for his hospitality after visiting Necker Island and sought advice on public relations.
Sir Richard responded: 'It was really nice seeing you yesterday. The boys in Watersports can't stop speaking about it! Any time you're in the area would love to see you. As long as you bring your harem!'
Branson's Public Relations Advice
Earlier emails arranging the visit revealed Epstein would be accompanied by three male business associates and "two Russian girls." Branson subsequently suggested that with public support from figures like Bill Gates—who also appears in the latest document release—Epstein's public image could potentially be rehabilitated.
The billionaire entrepreneur proposed: 'I think if Bill Gates was willing to say that you've been a brilliant advisor to him, that you slipped up many years ago by sleeping with a 17-year-old woman and were punished for it, that you've more than learnt your lesson and have done nothing that's against the law since and, yes, as a single man you seem to have a penchant for women. But there's nothing wrong with that.'
Branson's Statement on Epstein Association
Sir Richard has strongly denied any wrongdoing and released a statement clarifying his limited contact with Epstein. A spokesperson explained that any interactions occurred over twelve years ago in group or business settings, such as charity tennis events.
The spokesperson elaborated: 'When Epstein offered a charity donation, the Bransons asked their team to carry out due diligence before accepting the donation which uncovered serious allegations. As a result, Virgin Unite did not take the donation and Richard and Joan decided not to meet or speak with Epstein again.'
Regarding the "harem" reference, the spokesperson added that Branson "regrettably repeated" the term from Epstein without full knowledge of his crimes, emphasising that had they possessed complete information, there would have been no contact whatsoever.
Ferguson's Emails to Epstein
New documents also reveal that Ms Ferguson sent flirtatious emails to Epstein following his release from a 13-month prison sentence for soliciting sex from underage girls. In one message from September 17, 2009, she wrote about a woman: 'You can marry her too. She is single and [sic] a great body'. She added: 'Ok well marry me and then we will employ her'.
Sources indicate that Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are reportedly "aghast" and "embarrassed" by their mother's correspondence with Epstein, as well as by new photographs showing their father, Prince Andrew, crouching over a mystery woman lying on the floor.
Broader Political Repercussions
The Epstein files have triggered significant political consequences, including the resignation of Peter Mandelson from the House of Lords amid allegations he shared market-sensitive information with Epstein while serving as a Cabinet minister. Lord Mandelson has denied any legal wrongdoing.
The Metropolitan Police has initiated a criminal investigation into these claims. During Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer stated that Lord Mandelson had "betrayed" his country and would be stripped of his honorific title, pledging to release details of his vetting process for the US ambassador role, with certain information withheld for national security or investigative reasons.
As moving vans were spotted departing Royal Lodge following Prince Andrew's relocation, the unfolding scandal continues to reverberate through both royal and business circles, with multiple figures facing intense scrutiny over their past associations with the convicted sex offender.
