The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, has faced a significant public setback after a children’s charity cut ties with her following revelations about her correspondence with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Julia’s House, a children’s hospice charity, announced it would be “inappropriate” for the Duchess to continue as a patron after emails emerged showing her apologizing to Epstein in 2011.
Charity Severs Ties
In a statement, Julia’s House said:
“Following the information shared this weekend on the Duchess of York’s correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, Julia’s House has taken the decision that it would be inappropriate for her to continue as a patron of the charity.
We have advised the Duchess of York of this decision and thank her for her past support.”
This announcement comes as both Sarah Ferguson and her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, were spotted publicly for the first time since the Mail on Sunday exposed the emails.
The couple was seen leaving Royal Lodge at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, with Andrew driving and Ferguson appearing keen to avoid photographers.
The Bombshell Email
The email, written in 2011, shows Ferguson apologizing to Epstein for publicly disassociating herself from him after his conviction for child sexual abuse offences.
She referred to him as “her supreme friend” and explained that she had initially distanced herself only to protect her career as a children’s author.
Weeks earlier, she had publicly described her involvement with Epstein, who had served time for soliciting a minor for prostitution, as a “gigantic error of judgment.”
Now, the private email paints a more complicated picture, showing her sending a grovelling apology in an effort to counter an aggressive threat from Epstein to sue her for defamation.
Impact on Royal Family Engagements
The revelations have sparked speculation about the Duke and Duchess of York’s role in private royal events.
Sources suggest King Charles may now explore ways to prevent his brother Andrew from attending family occasions, or at least ensure it happens discreetly.
In recent years, Andrew and Ferguson have appeared with the Royal Family at public events, including Christmas Day walks at Sandringham and Easter at Windsor Castle, as well as funerals like that of the Duchess of Kent.
The Duke has already relinquished public duties due to his own ties to Epstein, and the couple could face further restrictions at private family gatherings.
Sarah Ferguson’s Past and Career
Sarah Ferguson, best known for her Budgie the Helicopter, Little Red, and Helping Hand book series, has published more than 50 children’s and young adult books.
Her new series, Flora & Fen, will see a second book, Kindness Along The Way, released this November.
Ferguson insists that her first priority has always been the victims of Epstein and that she regrets her past associations.
A spokesperson for the Duchess stated:
“The Duchess spoke of her regret about her association with Epstein many years ago, and as they have always been, her first thoughts are with his victims.
She does not resile from anything she said then.”
Connections to Jeffrey Epstein
Sarah Ferguson first met Epstein in the 1990s through American-British businesswoman Lynn Forester de Rothschild.
Her correspondence with him, revealed in these emails, shows a private side that starkly contrasts with her public disavowal.
Friends of the Duchess maintain she acted on advice to protect herself from Epstein’s legal threats.
Meanwhile, Prince Andrew has faced longstanding scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein, particularly the 2001 photograph showing him with Virginia Giuffre, who alleged he abused her at 17.
Andrew has denied all allegations and reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre in 2022.
Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving dozens of teenage girls and young women.
Fallout and Public Reaction
The scandal has already had tangible consequences, including the charity severing ties with the Duchess.
Observers warn that other institutions, both charitable and publishing, could reassess their relationships with her in light of the new revelations.
The Duchess continues to stand by her public statements condemning Epstein and maintains her lifelong commitment to children’s charities, emphasizing that her private correspondence with Epstein was conducted under duress and legal pressure.