Freshly disclosed correspondence from the US Department of Justice has unveiled a series of intimate emails exchanged between Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The messages, which date from the early 2000s, reveal a surprisingly warm and familiar relationship, with Ferguson expressing profound gratitude and affection towards the disgraced financier.
"The Brother I Have Always Wished For"
In one particularly revealing email sent on August 3, 2009, Ferguson thanked Epstein for what she described as an act of exceptional kindness. She wrote that he had complimented her in front of her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, an action that moved her deeply. "I have never been more touched by a friend's kindness," she stated, going on to describe Epstein as "the brother I have always wished for."
Further emails from November of that same year continued this effusive tone. Ferguson labelled Epstein "a legend" and told him, "I am so proud of you," indicating a level of personal admiration and support that has raised eyebrows given Epstein's criminal convictions.
An Invitation to St James's Palace
Perhaps more startling is the revelation that Ferguson extended a formal invitation to Epstein for Prince Andrew's 50th birthday celebration. The event was scheduled for February 26, 2010, at St James's Palace in London. The email invitation, sent on behalf of herself and her daughters, read: "Beatrice, Eugenie and I would love to invite you to celebrate the 50 years of Papa/Andrew."
It detailed a dress code of "suits and cocktail dresses" and concluded with a playful, "you know me, mysterious mischief. so bring your presents. your presence and your humour!" Epstein's brief reply on February 16 simply stated "not able," declining the invitation. This invitation was issued in 2010, the year after Epstein's release from prison following his conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
The "Invisible Man" Correspondence
The document release also includes a separate cache of emails involving Ghislaine Maxwell and an account identified as "The Invisible Man." Context within the emails strongly suggests this account belongs to Prince Andrew. In an August 2002 exchange, the sender, signing off as "A," discusses plans for the bank holiday weekend.
"As the planning is getting more difficult over the bank holiday weekend here I am thinking now I might join Sarah and the kids in Sotogrande for a few days which would be very important and a good thing for the girls, rather than trek across the pond," the email reads, seemingly referring to a potential trip to Epstein's private island. The sender asks Maxwell for "permission" to change plans, hinting at a prior arrangement.
Maxwell's reply from August 24, 2002, addresses the recipient as "Andrew sweet heart" and expresses understanding. "I fully understand if you want to spend time w/Sarah and the kids. I will not be remotely offended... at this point w/precious holidays and few days off I agree that this idea of coming to the Island looks less appealing."
In a follow-up email after "The Invisible Man" confirmed he would not be visiting the island, Maxwell wrote, "No problem, (redacted), who is now coming and 5 other stunning red heads will all just have to play with ourselves."
Context and Denials
It is crucial to note that the inclusion of these emails in the released files does not, in itself, indicate any wrongdoing by Sarah Ferguson or implicate anyone in Epstein's criminal activities. Prince Andrew has consistently and vehemently denied all allegations made against him concerning his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
The documents form part of the extensive "Epstein files" released by US authorities, which have previously included other correspondence linked to Prince Andrew. These releases have intensified scrutiny of the royal's connections to Epstein, ultimately contributing to King Charles III's decision to strip his brother of his HRH style and princely title.
In a past statement, Sarah Ferguson has expressed profound regret for her association with Epstein. "I personally, on behalf of myself, deeply regret that Jeffrey Epstein became involved in any way with me," she said. "I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf. I am just so contrite I cannot say."
Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death was officially ruled a suicide.
