Previously undisclosed emails have revealed that Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, visited convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on two occasions while he was serving a prison sentence in Florida in 2009.
The correspondence, uncovered among the so-called Epstein Files, indicates the meetings took place at an office operated under the name Florida Science Foundation—a company prosecutors later described as a sham business that enabled Epstein to qualify for a controversial work-release programme.
Work-Release Arrangement Allowed Daily Access to Office
Although Epstein had been sentenced after pleading guilty to procuring a minor for prostitution in 2008, he was permitted to leave the Palm Beach County Stockade for up to 12 hours a day, six days a week, under a work-release agreement.
His destination was the Florida Science Foundation office in West Palm Beach, where he was monitored by off-duty sheriff’s deputies.
Former victims have alleged they were abused at the same premises while Epstein was officially serving his sentence.
Ferguson Requested Meeting During Palm Beach Stopover
According to the emails, Ferguson contacted Epstein before arriving in Palm Beach in April 2009, asking whether they could meet briefly during a stopover.
Epstein responded by inviting her to his office, telling her it was only a short drive from the airport.
Following their meeting, the pair exchanged emails discussing Ferguson’s charitable and business venture, Mothers’ Army.
Epstein reportedly offered advice on strengthening the project, suggesting it required stronger financial planning and recommending the pursuit of major sponsorship opportunities, including involvement from high-profile public figures.
Friendly Exchanges Continued After First Visit
The correspondence also reflects a warm personal tone between the two.
Ferguson thanked Epstein for his advice, describing him as a valued friend and expressing appreciation for his support.
Additional emails suggest she hoped to arrange another meeting later that month, although that visit did not ultimately take place.
However, records show she successfully returned in May 2009 while Epstein was still serving his sentence, requesting transportation from the airport directly to his office before continuing her journey to Miami.
Internal communications indicate Epstein instructed his staff to organise the visit.
Security Measures Referenced in Internal Emails
Later messages suggest Ferguson entered the office while sheriff’s deputies assigned to supervise Epstein’s work-release activities were present nearby.
The details have reignited scrutiny of the unusually generous conditions of Epstein’s work-release arrangement, which has faced criticism for years.
Peter Mandelson Also Appears in Newly Released Records
The same batch of emails also references former British Cabinet minister Lord Peter Mandelson.
According to the documents, Mandelson telephoned Epstein at the Florida office from London during one of Ferguson’s visits, discussing the political climate in the United Kingdom amid the parliamentary expenses scandal.
The following month, records indicate Mandelson participated in a video call with Epstein while staying at the financier’s New York townhouse, several weeks before Epstein completed his sentence.
Lord Mandelson has consistently maintained that he never witnessed any criminal conduct during his association with Epstein.
Duchess Previously Expressed Regret Over Association
A spokesperson for Sarah Ferguson previously said the Duchess deeply regrets her past association with Epstein and that her sympathies remain with those harmed by him.
The statement said she, like many others, had been deceived by Epstein and ended all contact once she became aware of the seriousness of the allegations against him.
According to the spokesperson, Ferguson later publicly condemned Epstein despite allegedly receiving legal threats after linking him to paedophilia.
Representatives for Lord Mandelson have not publicly commented on the latest revelations.
