Sarah Ferguson Faces Mounting Pressure to Testify Before US Congress Over Epstein Links
Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, is confronting escalating demands from members of the United States Congress to provide sworn testimony regarding her connections to the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The 66-year-old has not made a public appearance for several months as scrutiny intensifies over her and her ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's association with the disgraced billionaire.
Congressional Calls for Sworn Testimony
Lawmakers from the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating the handling of Epstein's prosecution, have now joined the chorus urging Ferguson to give evidence under oath. Committee member Suhas Subramanyam stated he believes she possesses "information related to the investigation" and emphasised the need for her cooperation.
"Sarah Ferguson should give sworn testimony to our committee," Subramanyam told the BBC. While there is no legal mechanism to compel her to testify in the US, the Democratic congressman indicated lawmakers would be "happy to work out terms that work for her," provided she is under oath.
Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury echoed these sentiments, urging anyone with knowledge of wrongdoing by Epstein and his associates to cooperate to ensure justice for victims. "If Ferguson or any member of their family has such information, our responsibility is to follow the facts wherever they lead," she added.
Revelations from Epstein Files
The pressure on Ferguson has intensified following the release of new documents from the Epstein files in January by the US Department of Justice. These documents appear to reveal the depth of her friendship with the sex offender, even after his 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution.
An email exchange from 2009 shows the then-Duchess of York referring to Epstein as the "brother I have always wished for" while updating him on potential opportunities for her business brands and books. In another email from 2010, she calls him a "legend" and expresses her "gratitude," adding: "Xx I am at your service. Just marry me."
The documents also suggest Ferguson took her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, to lunch with Epstein shortly after his release from prison. It is important to note that being named in the files does not indicate wrongdoing.
Family and Legal Perspectives
The family of Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of sexual abuse—allegations he denies—has stated they "strongly" believe Ferguson should answer questions in the US. A representative for Giuffre's brother, Sky Roberts, said: "If Ferguson knows anything, she should testify in the United States immediately."
However, media lawyer Jonathan Coad, who has represented Ferguson in past defamation and privacy cases, asserted there is "no chance" she would travel to the US to testify. "Of course she won't, and if she were still my client, my very strong advice to her would be not to go," he told the BBC. "It would be a disaster for her, for her daughters Beatrice and Eugenie – and also for Andrew, as it would show him up for not going."
Broader Context and Consequences
US lawmakers have long called for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to answer questions about his ties to Epstein. He was arrested last month and released under investigation on suspicion of misconduct in public office, though he consistently denies any wrongdoing.
In October, Ferguson lost her duchess title when her ex-husband relinquished his Duke of York title over his Epstein links. She was also forced to move out of his sprawling Windsor home, Royal Lodge. Her current whereabouts are unknown, with unconfirmed reports suggesting she may be in the United Arab Emirates, Portugal, Switzerland, or at a wellness retreat in Ireland.
Speculation is growing that she may be considering a tell-all interview or memoir, having already published dozens of books. Meanwhile, several UK charities cut ties with her in September as details of her Epstein connections emerged, and her own charity, Sarah's Trust, announced last month it would close "for the foreseeable future."
The Independent has contacted Ferguson's representatives for comment, but no response has been provided at this time.
