Disgraced former Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson has reportedly declared she will never return to the United States, as fears mount over potential scrutiny from Jeffrey Epstein's victims and demands for her to testify about the convicted sex offender. According to an insider, the 66-year-old ex-duchess is growing increasingly apprehensive about travelling stateside following the release of damning Epstein files earlier this year.
Epstein Connection and Congressional Pressure
Ferguson's relationship with the paedophile financier made headlines after revelations emerged that Epstein had been financially supporting her for over fifteen years. In one particularly revealing email to Epstein, Ferguson appeared to write "just marry me" following a string of compliments, despite Epstein having been convicted of soliciting sex from a minor just one year earlier.
Two weeks ago, US lawmaker Suhas Subramanyam, 39, formally wrote to Ferguson requesting her testimony before Congress regarding Epstein and any information she might possess about his criminal past. The letter "respectfully requested" Ferguson's cooperation in an ongoing investigation into Epstein's sex trafficking operations.
No Legal Obligation but Significant Concerns
While Ferguson is not legally obliged to appear before Congress or respond to the request as she is not a US citizen, an insider has revealed she has informed her inner circle that she has no plans to return to America. Speaking to the Daily Mirror, the source stated: "Sarah has made it clear to those around her she will never set foot in America again."
The insider elaborated: "She is deeply worried about the reaction she would face, whether from Epstein's victims or scrutiny from Congress. She feels it would be unbearable and does not want to be put in a position under oath where she would be asked not only about Epstein but also about Andrew."
Historical US Ties and Recent Humiliations
This represents a significant shift for Ferguson, who has spent considerable time in the US since her 1996 divorce from Prince Andrew. She has promoted various business ventures including books and lifestyle projects targeted at American audiences, made regular television appearances on US networks, and engaged in charity work across the country.
The source described this as a "difficult decision" for Ferguson, who was once "deeply entrenched" in American society. This development comes as the former duchess faced further humiliation last month when she was formally stripped of her Freedom of the City of York title.
Royal Titles and Epstein Fallout
The Freedom of the City of York is a historic honorary status dating back to the 13th century, previously bestowed upon notable figures including Sir Winston Churchill and Dame Judi Dench. City councillors unanimously voted to revoke "York's highest honour" from Ferguson, who originally received the privilege as a wedding present during a 1987 visit to the city with her then-husband.
Prince Andrew was stripped of the same accolade in 2022. Five months later, Ferguson lost her Duchess of York title when Andrew relinquished his Duke of York title due to his connections with Epstein. This followed revelations that Andrew paid a multi-million-pound out-of-court settlement to Virginia Giuffre, a trafficking victim who alleged the ex-prince had sex with her three times when she was a teenager.
Ongoing Scandals and Current Whereabouts
Giuffre was purportedly introduced to Andrew by Epstein's long-time fixer Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking. In February, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office under allegations he sent confidential government documents to Epstein while working as a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. He spent eleven hours in police custody at Aylsham Police Station before being released.
Ferguson has maintained a low profile amid the escalating scandals surrounding both her and her ex-husband. She was last seen publicly in London on December 12 for the christening of her daughter Princess Beatrice's newborn, Athena Mapelli Mozzi.
Secret Travels and Wellness Retreats
Currently, Ferguson is said to be on a secret sofa-surfing world tour after being removed from the Royal Lodge, staying at the homes of various friends and reportedly remaining in contact with close allies through FaceTime calls. She was reportedly staying in the United Arab Emirates earlier this year and was spotted at the Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa in Donegal, a remote Irish wellness retreat.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Ferguson had secretly taken refuge in the world-renowned Paracelsus Recovery Clinic in Zurich, Switzerland for much of January, a facility costing approximately £13,000 per day. As the Epstein scandal continues to unfold, Ferguson's decision to avoid the United States appears to be a permanent strategy to distance herself from further investigation and public scrutiny.
