Sarah Ferguson requested Jeffrey Epstein upgrade her business class flight to first class just hours before departure for a trip to visit him in New York days after his release from prison, newly revealed emails show.
The former Duchess of York’s office contacted Epstein within hours of his July 2009 prison release asking him to “graciously” cover the cost of the trip, according to the Daily Mail which uncovered the emails in the latest tranche of Epstein files.
Epstein had been released from prison in 2009 after serving 13 months of an 18-month sentence for soliciting prostitution and was placed on probation. Ferguson, who was facing bankruptcy at the time, arranged to visit him with her daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
In one email titled “The Duchess of York,” Epstein’s house manager Lesley Groff wrote: “Amanda from the Duchess’ office just called. She said that you graciously offered to pay for the Duchess to come and visit you. Amanda would like to speak to [redacted] about flights.” The executive assistant was believed to be Amanda Lewis, then Ferguson’s aide.
The following morning, Groff updated Epstein: “Amanda said the princesses would like to accompany the Duchess, and she is wondering if you might be willing to pay for them as well…” Ferguson pushed for her daughters to move from economy to club class whilst she travelled business.
After Epstein agreed with a simple “ok,” Groff began organising the three-day New York stay. Flights were described as having “crazy high price tags,” with staff noting Ferguson’s request for first-class tickets for herself and business-class for her daughters would cost over $30,000 with no cheaper alternatives available for the return flight.
Just hours before the flight’s departure on 30 July 2009, Groff informed Epstein that Ferguson was demanding to be upgraded from business class. She wrote: “The following is from Amanda the Duchess’ assistant…would you like me to see if we can change the seats? I recall the plane being rather booked up! The Duchess has asked that she be in First and the girls in Club on the flight back from NYC to LHR apparently Jeffrey said that this would be ok please can you let me know if you can change this.”
Within minutes, Epstein replied: “i said nothing,, do not respond.” Groff agreed not to respond to the upgrade request.
Emails reveal Epstein’s staff had been scrambling to meet Ferguson’s demands, including booking the most expensive British Airways flight using her frequent flyer number. Ferguson and her daughters stayed with American businessman Philip Levine in Miami before visiting Epstein on 27 July 2009, using his car and driver.
A representative for Ferguson declined to comment on the emails.
