Several UK charities cut ties with Sarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, after a 2011 email surfaced where she referred to Jeffrey Epstein as a “supreme friend” and sought forgiveness for “letting him down”.
The Mail on Sunday obtained the email where Ferguson, known as Fergie, described Epstein as a “steadfast, generous and supreme friend,” apologizing for previously distancing herself.
She admitted she had earlier criticized Epstein in an interview to safeguard “her career as a children’s book author and philanthropist”.
In that interview, Ferguson vowed to sever all ties with Epstein, labeling a £15,000 loan from him as “a gigantic error of judgement”.
In her email, she expressed, “I know you feel hellaciously let down by me. I must humbly apologize.”
Ferguson stated Epstein loaned her the money to aid with debt repayment.
On Monday, six charities she was affiliated with confirmed ending their association, thanking her for her contributions.
These included the British Heart Foundation, Julia’s House children’s hospice, the Children’s Literacy Charity, a prominent food allergy foundation, Prevent Breast Cancer, and the Teenage Cancer Trust.
“Julia’s House decided it was inappropriate for her to remain a patron,” a statement read.
Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, founders of The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, expressed being “disturbed” by her correspondence with Epstein.
“Sarah Ferguson has not been actively involved with the charity for some years,” they stated.
“She was a patron, but given the revelations, it’s inappropriate for her to continue her association,” they added.
‘Epstein threats’
Ferguson became a patron of Prevent Breast Cancer last year after her own battle with the disease in 2023.
Ferguson, who married Prince Andrew in 1986 and divorced a decade later, has since become an author, media figure, and charity patron.
She remains close to Andrew, King Charles III’s brother, supporting him after his fall from grace due to Epstein ties.
They still share a residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park and recently appeared at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral.
Ferguson’s spokesman stated the 2011 email was sent “under advice to appease Epstein and his threats”.
Reports suggest Epstein was contemplating defamation action against her over prior remarks.
