Court documents have revealed the warm tone of correspondence between Sarah Ferguson and Jeffrey Epstein, including messages in which the Duchess of York expressed deep gratitude and affection towards the disgraced financier.
Ferguson publicly apologised in March 2011 for accepting £15,000 from Epstein during an interview with the Evening Standard. She stated she would never have any association with Epstein again, describing the acceptance of money as “a gigantic error of judgment” whilst expressing abhorrence for paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children.
However, emails from years earlier paint a picture of a close friendship between the pair. Correspondence dated 3 August 2009 shows Ferguson thanking Epstein for being “the brother I have always wished for”.
In the same message, she told him she had “never been more touched by a friend’s kindness than your compliment to me in front of my girls”, referring to her daughters.
Another email revealed in the documents saw Ferguson describe Epstein as “my dear spectacular and special friend”. She characterised him as “a legend” and wrote “I am so proud of you” in the correspondence.
The documents form part of a wider release of materials related to Epstein’s activities and associations. Court papers have identified numerous individuals who had contact with the financier, though appearance in such documents does not constitute evidence of wrongdoing.
Ferguson’s relationship with Epstein became public knowledge after revelations that he had provided financial assistance to her. The £15,000 payment occurred during a period when the Duchess faced significant financial difficulties.
The Duchess severed all contact with Epstein following the emergence of allegations against him and his subsequent conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008. Her 2011 statement made clear her position that she would maintain no further connection with him.
Epstein died in August 2019 whilst awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking minors. His death in a Manhattan jail cell was ruled a suicide by authorities.
The release of court documents continues to shed light on the extensive network of relationships Epstein maintained with prominent figures across business, politics and society. Many individuals named in the papers have issued statements clarifying the nature of their associations or denying knowledge of his criminal activities.
Ferguson has not issued additional public statements since the release of these particular email exchanges in the court documents.
