Rumours swirled over the weekend that Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, had fled Royal Lodge and taken refuge on Sir Richard Branson’s Caribbean island.
The 66-year-old royal, reportedly leaving the UK just before Prince Andrew vacated the Windsor Great Park home, was said to have sought sanctuary on Necker Island.
Today, Branson’s spokesperson put those reports firmly to rest.
They told the Daily Mail: “Sir Richard has had no contact with Sarah Ferguson following the release of the Epstein files and, contrary to some media reports, can confirm she is not on Necker Island either.”
Epstein Files Spark Fresh Scandals
Both Branson and Ferguson are now facing scrutiny following the latest release of Jeffrey Epstein’s files by the US Department of Justice.
While appearing in the files does not indicate guilt, new emails have raised eyebrows.
Among them, Branson appeared to joke about Epstein’s so-called “harem” and offered PR advice to the convicted sex offender years after Epstein pleaded guilty to procuring a child for prostitution.
In one email exchange, Epstein thanked Branson for his hospitality on Necker Island in 2013 and asked for public relations advice.
Branson replied, mentioning the “boys in Watersports” and jokingly requesting Epstein “bring your harem.”
The files also show Branson suggesting that if influential figures such as Bill Gates vouched for Epstein, it might improve his public image despite past convictions.
Branson Denies Wrongdoing
Branson has strongly denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing that he and his late wife Joan severed ties with Epstein after learning of his crimes.
A spokesperson clarified that any contact with Epstein was limited to group or business settings more than a decade ago, including charity events.
The spokesperson also addressed the “harem” comment, saying Branson had merely repeated a term used by Epstein without full knowledge of his crimes.
“Richard believes that Epstein’s actions were abhorrent and supports the right to justice for his many victims,” they said.
Ferguson’s Emails to Epstein Raise Eyebrows
Newly released emails show Ferguson sending flirtatious messages to Epstein, at times suggesting he marry her and discussing employing other women.
In one 2009 email, she wrote: “You can marry her too.
She is single and [sic] a great body… Ok well marry me and then we will employ her.”
The latest revelations have reportedly left Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie “aghast” and “embarrassed” by their mother’s correspondence.
Ferguson’s charitable work has also been impacted, with some of her patronages ending and her most recent children’s book pulled by its publisher.
Wider Fallout From the Epstein Files
The Epstein files have already triggered political consequences in the UK.
Former Cabinet minister Peter Mandelson announced his resignation from the House of Lords amid claims he passed market-sensitive information to Epstein.
Mandelson, nicknamed the “Prince of Darkness,” denies any illegal activity, but the Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation.
At Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer described Mandelson’s alleged actions as a betrayal, promising to release details of how Mandelson was vetted for his ambassadorial role, with certain information withheld for national security reasons.
What Comes Next
With Branson denying any sheltering of Ferguson, and both facing scrutiny from newly revealed emails, the fallout from the Epstein files continues to reverberate through both UK and international circles.
Investigations, resignations, and public criticism are likely to continue as the details of these complex connections unfold.
