Sarah’s Trust, the international charity founded by Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has announced it will close “for the foreseeable future” following new disclosures about her friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The decision comes after the US Department of Justice released approximately 3 million files related to Epstein on Friday, containing fresh details of his interactions with influential figures, including Ferguson and her ex-husband, Prince Andrew.
A spokesperson for Sarah’s Trust stated: “Our chair Sarah Ferguson and the board of trustees have agreed that with regret the charity will shortly close for the foreseeable future. This has been under discussion and in train for some months.” The trust had partnered with over 60 charities in more than 20 countries, delivering aid during the Covid pandemic and in Ukraine.
The closure follows at least seven charities, including the Teenage Cancer Trust, having previously revoked Ferguson’s patronage due to her Epstein links. Among the released emails, Ferguson referred to Epstein as “the brother I have always wished for” and expressed anger that he befriended her only to access Prince Andrew.
In a 2011 email, Ferguson wrote to Epstein: “It was soooo crystal clear to me that you were only friends with me to get to Andrew. And that really hurt me deeeply.” Other correspondence showed Epstein advising on Ferguson’s public statements and her thanking him for support.
