Several UK charities have recently distanced themselves from Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, after reports surfaced of her past comments regarding the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Duchess reportedly referred to Epstein as a “supreme friend” in an email, prompting organizations to end associations with her.
According to British media, the message surfaced soon after she vowed in a 2011 interview never to contact Epstein again. Despite past attempts to mitigate the situation by publicly condemning him, Ferguson’s email aimed to apologize for her previous comments and acknowledged Epstein as a steadfast friend.
A spokesperson for Ferguson has reiterated that she deeply regrets her association with Epstein, whose criminal activities have starkly affected numerous victims. The spokesperson emphasized her denunciation of Epstein once the full scope of his charges became apparent.
The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, co-founded by Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, expressed their disturbance over the correspondence, stating that continued association with the Duchess would be inappropriate given the nature of the revelations. Similarly, the children’s hospice Julia’s House has also severed ties for the same reasons.
Sarah Ferguson’s connection with Epstein also mirrors the fallout faced by her former husband, Prince Andrew. Andrew faced significant consequences for his friendship with Epstein, including the loss of titles and royal duties, as well as association retractions from various firms and charities.
This development underscores the significant reputational impact that associations with Epstein continue to have on individuals and organizations. While Ferguson has expressed regret, these events highlight how past relationships can have long-lasting effects on charitable and public engagements.