Sarah Ferguson publicly criticized Epstein. In private, she apologized to her ‘supreme friend’
Sarah Ferguson publicly criticized Epstein. In private, she apologized to her ‘supreme friend’
Sarah Ferguson, the ex-wife of Prince Andrew, found herself in a difficult situation nearly 15 years after their 1996 divorce. Facing significant financial strain, including mounting rent debts, she felt isolated and sought new career opportunities. During this period, Ferguson turned to her close friend Jeffrey Epstein for guidance, as revealed by a review of over 100 documents from the Justice Department’s “Epstein library.”
Affectionate praise amid legal troubles
CNN’s analysis of the files showed Ferguson frequently expressed admiration for Epstein, even after his 2008 Florida conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. She referred to him as her “spectacular and special friend,” called him “the brother I have always wished for,” and conveyed pride in his accomplishments during his incarceration. The former Duchess of York also suggested Epstein should marry her on multiple occasions, while requesting financial assistance and a position as his “house assistant.”
“I am so proud of you” – Sarah Ferguson
“You are a legend, and I am so proud of you” – Sarah Ferguson
Despite her public criticism of Epstein during an interview linking him to pedophilia, private messages indicate she later expressed remorse for those remarks. The files reveal a contrast between her public stance and her personal relationship with Epstein, which remains a topic of renewed interest following the release of millions of documents related to his case.
The fallout for Prince Andrew
Ferguson’s connection to Epstein has gained fresh attention, alongside her ex-husband’s own association with the financier. Prince Andrew, now disgraced, lost his royal titles, was evicted from the Windsor Estate, and faced legal scrutiny in February 2026 for alleged misconduct in public office. Six of Ferguson’s businesses have since ceased operations, though she has not been formally charged with any crimes tied to Epstein.
Plans for a new venture
Following Epstein’s 2009 release from jail, Ferguson eagerly planned to meet him in person. Emails from that month show she intended to join him for lunch with her daughters, who were 20 and 19 at the time. Around the same period, Epstein proposed the “Mothers Army,” a project aimed at supporting mothers through corporate partnerships. Ferguson responded enthusiastically, vowing to develop a business plan for the initiative.
“You are a legend, and I am so proud of you” – Sarah Ferguson
“My dear spectacular and special friend Jeffrey” – Sarah Ferguson
Epstein’s emails also hinted at leveraging Ferguson’s connections for his own purposes. He mentioned using her name to arrange access to royal properties, writing to a couple in 2009: “fergie said she could organize tea in the buckingham palace apts.. or windsor castle.” While it remains unclear if those meetings occurred, the documents underscore the intricate web of relationships tied to Epstein’s scandal.
