Sarah Ferguson's Epstein Ties: A Detailed Chronology of Emails and Encounters
The release of a new tranche of Jeffrey Epstein files by the US Department of Justice has shifted significant scrutiny onto Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York. While her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, has long faced intense examination over his association with the disgraced financier, these documents reveal a previously less-publicised but deeply personal connection between Ferguson and Epstein. The emails depict a relationship marked by admiration, financial dependency, and troubling timing, culminating in the recent announcement that her charity, Sarah's Trust, will close.
The Foundation of a Controversial Friendship
It remains unclear precisely when Sarah Ferguson and Jeffrey Epstein first met. Her former husband, Andrew, was reportedly introduced to Epstein through their mutual associate Ghislaine Maxwell in 1999. Ferguson and Andrew had separated in 1992 and divorced in 1996, yet maintained a close co-parenting relationship, residing together at Royal Lodge. While Andrew's photographed outings with Epstein in the late 1990s and early 2000s are well-documented, Ferguson's early interactions with the financier are more obscure. Both were reportedly present at Andrew's 40th birthday celebration at Windsor Castle in 2000, hosted by the late Queen.
Key Events and Email Revelations
July 2006: Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell were among 500 guests at Princess Beatrice's lavish 18th birthday party at Windsor Castle, attended by both Andrew and Ferguson. This occurred just one month after Epstein was charged with solicitation of prostitution in the United States. In a 2019 Newsnight interview, Andrew stated Epstein was invited as Maxwell's plus-one, claiming ignorance of the charges at the time.
June 2009: While Epstein was incarcerated for soliciting sex from a minor, emails suggest Ferguson contacted him for business advice. She reportedly asked for help launching her venture, Mothers Army, described as an initiative to unite women globally for child safety. An email from an address named "Sarah" on June 14, 2009, reads: "I need to ask you how I start The Mothers Army company so it can be commercial, how do I do that? Can you help me?" Another email on June 26 states: "I am alive... yes I did go to the first lady and she loved the Mothers Army. I am going to call you later Love you."
July 2009: Newly released correspondence indicates Ferguson took her daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, to lunch with Epstein just days after his release from prison. An email from Epstein to Maxwell on July 28, 2009, noted "ferg and the two girls come [sic] yesterday." Furthermore, an email from Epstein to hedge fund manager Glenn Dubin suggested Ferguson could organise tea at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.
August 2009: In a particularly revealing email, Ferguson described Epstein as "the brother I have always wished for." She wrote: "In just one week, after your lunch, it seems the energy has lifted. I have never been more touched by a friends [sic] kindness than your compliment to me infront of my girls. Thank you Jeffrey for being the brother I have always wished for." Later that year, Epstein appears to have arranged accommodation for Ferguson during a New York trip.
October 2009: Ferguson seemingly turned to Epstein during a financial crisis, emailing: "I urgently need 20,000 pounds ($27,521) for rent today. The landlord has threatened to go to the newspapers if I don’t pay. Any brainwaves?" The exchange began with Epstein and a man named David Stern discussing an ABC article questioning Ferguson's finances. Epstein speculated about "disgruntled investors," and Ferguson confirmed a breach of confidentiality. Elsewhere, an email from Epstein claims he financially assisted her for 15 years.
February 2010: Andrew's private secretary, Amanda Thirsk, reportedly invited Epstein to Andrew's 50th birthday party at St James's Palace on Ferguson's behalf. It is understood he did not attend.
March - July 2010: Emails reference Princess Eugenie, with one reply to Epstein noting she was away for a weekend. Another shows Epstein inquiring if Beatrice and Eugenie were free to say hello in July. That same month, amidst a cash-for-access scandal, Ferguson emailed Epstein, calling him "my pillar" and expressing feeling "hung out to dry" by the press.
Public Reckoning and Private Communications
March 2011: In an interview with the Evening Standard, Ferguson admitted her involvement with Epstein was a "gigantic error of judgment," following revelations he provided £15,000 to help pay her debts. She stated: "I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children." However, emails from March 2011 show Epstein hoping Ferguson would help clear his name, suggesting she could say "I am not a pedo" and was "DUPED into believeing [sic] false stories." His publicist, Mike Sitrick, outlined a strategy to get "Fergie to retract." Weeks later, leaked emails published by the Mail on Sunday suggest Ferguson "did not" and "would not" call him a "P," acting to "protect my own brand."
September 2011: A message from Ferguson to Epstein congratulating him on the birth of a "baby boy" after his jail release suggests he may have had a secret child. It has never been confirmed if Epstein had any children.
Recent Fallout: Charity Closure
February 2026: Following the file releases, a spokesman for Sarah's Trust announced the charity would close for the foreseeable future. The statement read: "Our chair Sarah Ferguson and the board of trustees have agreed that with regret the charity will shortly close for the foreseeable future." It added the decision had been "under discussion and in train for some months." Ferguson's representatives have been contacted for comment.
It is crucial to note that appearing in the Epstein files does not indicate guilt or wrongdoing. The documents, however, provide an unprecedented window into a relationship that combined personal affection, financial reliance, and profoundly poor timing, set against the backdrop of Epstein's criminal convictions.
