Sarah’s Trust, the charity founded by Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has announced it is closing for the foreseeable future following the release of new files detailing her friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A spokesperson said the decision had been under discussion for months and comes as fresh emails reveal Ferguson described Epstein as “the brother I have always wished for”.
The US Department of Justice released approximately 3 million files on Friday, including correspondence between Ferguson and Epstein. In one email from August 2009, Ferguson thanked Epstein for being “the brother I have always wished for” and said she had “never been more touched by a friend’s kindness”. In another from April 2009, she called him a “legend” and said she was “so proud” of him.
The files also contain an email from September 2011 in which Ferguson wrote to Epstein: “Don’t know if you’re still on this bbm but have heard from The Duke that you have had a baby boy.” In a separate message, she expressed anger, accusing Epstein of only being friends with her “to get to Andrew” and saying that “really hurt me deeeply”.
Sarah’s Trust said it was “extremely proud” of its work, which included delivering over 150,000 aid parcels during the pandemic and providing medical aid in Ukraine. However, the charity’s closure follows several organisations, including the Teenage Cancer Trust, severing ties with Ferguson over her Epstein links.
Ferguson has previously expressed regret over her association with Epstein. A spokesperson reiterated that she “does not resile” from condemning him.
