The latest release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein has cast new light on the extent of Sarah Ferguson's relationship with the convicted paedophile financier, raising questions about her involvement after his criminal conviction. Emails contained within the files suggest that Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, maintained contact with Epstein following his release from prison, including visits with her daughters and discussions about business ventures.
Post-Prison Visit with Princesses
According to the files, Sarah Ferguson, along with her daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, flew to Miami to visit Jeffrey Epstein less than a week after he was released from prison in July 2009. An email from an aide to Epstein dated 24 July details flight arrangements for "the Duchess and the girls" from Heathrow Airport, indicating that Epstein likely paid for the tickets. Ferguson's business class ticket cost $9,244.16, while her daughters travelled in economy for $4,835.94.
Epstein had been released just two days earlier, having served 13 months of an 18-month sentence for procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute. A subsequent email from Ferguson to Epstein confirms her arrival in Miami with her daughters, who were 19 and 20 years old at the time. Their return flight was later confirmed in another email to Epstein from an aide, noting the departure from JFK Airport.
Business Plans and Financial Involvement
The emails further reveal that there were plans for Jeffrey Epstein to own a majority stake in Ferguson's women's empowerment brand, Mothers Army, after his conviction. In 2009, Ferguson began efforts to launch this company, aimed at amplifying the voices of mothers worldwide to address issues facing young people and families.
An email from an associate of Epstein outlines a proposed business plan where Epstein would hold 51% equity in Mothers Army, making him the majority owner. Revenue was expected from book deals, children's TV programmes, and speaking fees, with Ferguson slated to receive a $250,000 salary. A note in the email questions whether she should be based in New York, citing the UK market as "poison for her".
Leveraging Connections for Profit
Another email to Epstein frames the involvement in Mothers Army as an opportunity to leverage Ferguson's network for growth and other deals through JEDS, an investment vehicle intended to fund the brand and other ventures. While it remains unclear if Ferguson agreed to give Epstein equity, emails show his involvement continued through 2010, ceasing as publicity around his activities grew.
In August 2011, a reputation management firm emailed Epstein's lawyer, stating Ferguson was "keen to secure the rights back to the Mothers Army Domain names which Mr Epstein brought for her". This appears linked to a request for Ferguson to sign a letter in support of Epstein amid increasing public scrutiny. Epstein's lawyer forwarded the email, commenting, "the Duchess appears to be doing a bit of horse trading here!"
Personal Exchanges and Emotional Language
The files include several personal emails from Ferguson to Epstein, using affectionate and effusive language. In an email on 3 August 2009, Ferguson thanked Epstein for being "the brother I have always wished for" and expressed being deeply touched by his kindness. She also called him "my dear spectacular and special friend" and "a legend" in other messages.
On 30 January 2010, an account believed to be Ferguson's told Epstein, "I am at your service. Just marry me", though no further context is provided. In September 2010, a user called "Ferg" asked when Epstein would "employ" her, to which he replied he would visit London to discuss, adding, "I have never let you down". Ferguson responded with assurances of steadfast friendship.
Allegations and Aftermath
Ferguson also referenced media pressure in a 2010 email, stating, "the British press is ready to exterminate me" during a cash-for-access scandal, and lamenting that no woman leaves the royal family unscathed. In 2011, she emailed Epstein about rumours of him having a baby boy, expressing hurt that she felt he was only friends with her to get to her ex-husband, Andrew.
These revelations have led her charity, Sarah's Trust, to close "for the foreseeable future", and previously caused her to be dropped from several charity roles. In 2011, Ferguson stated she would never have anything to do with Epstein again, calling it a "gigantic error of judgment" and condemning paedophilia. Sky News has approached her for comment on the latest emails, but no response has been reported.
While the files mention both Ferguson and Andrew multiple times, it is important to note that this does not imply any wrongdoing on their part. The exchanges highlight the complex and troubling nature of Ferguson's connections with Epstein during a period when he was a convicted sex offender.
