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’
Almost a decade and a half after her 1996 divorce from Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson faced personal and financial challenges. The former Duchess of York, now 66, struggled with mounting rent debts, emotional isolation, and the search for professional opportunities. During this time, she turned to her confidant, Jeffrey Epstein, for guidance and support. CNN’s analysis of the Justice Department’s Epstein library revealed a pattern of admiration from Ferguson, even following his 2008 Florida conviction for soliciting prostitution involving a minor.
Epstein, often described as a “supreme friend” by Ferguson, received frequent praise from her. Messages indicated she called him “the brother I have always wished for” and expressed pride in his accomplishments while incarcerated. Despite public criticism, she remained apologetic in private. One instance highlighted this duality: after Ferguson questioned Epstein’s ties to pedophilia in an interview, she later wrote to him, acknowledging her remarks with regret.
“My dear spectacular and special friend Jeffrey,” she wrote. “You are a legend, and I am so proud of you.”
Ferguson also expressed interest in a romantic partnership, joking that Epstein should marry her. She requested financial assistance, asking if she could borrow money and secure a job as his “house assistant.” Her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, has since been implicated in Epstein’s scandals, leading to his removal from the monarchy, loss of titles, and arrest on public office misconduct charges in February 2026.
Epstein’s influence extended beyond personal relationships. Emails show he leveraged Ferguson’s name to connect friends with royal venues, such as Buckingham Palace Apartments. In 2009, he informed a couple: “fergie said she could organize tea in the buckingham palace apts. or windsor castle.” While it’s unclear if these plans materialized, the correspondence underscores her role in his network.
Mothers Army Initiative
By early 2009, Ferguson was eager to meet Epstein in person after his jail release. Emails from July 2009 reveal she arranged a meeting with him, inviting her daughters. “It will be myself, Beatrice and Eugenie,” she wrote. “Are we having lunch?” (Her daughters were 20 and 19 at the time.) Later that year, she continued collaborating with Epstein on a venture called “Mothers Army,” a project to aid financially struggling mothers through corporate sponsorships. The initiative was officially incorporated in October 2011 and dissolved in December 2016, with Ferguson listed as a director.
Epstein’s emails to Ferguson often included personal affirmations, such as “you look great.” She responded enthusiastically, expressing delight at his ideas. The two exchanged messages about trademarking the concept and ensuring its business viability. “Thanks for being such a great friend,” she concluded with a warm sign-off.
Despite the public scrutiny, Ferguson’s name in the Epstein files does not imply criminal intent. The Justice Department’s recent release of millions of documents has exposed her connection to the late financier, but she has not been formally accused of wrongdoing. CNN has sought comment from Ferguson’s representative for further clarification.
Epstein, who had months left of his 18-month sentence in April 2009, received an email from Ferguson announcing her arrival in Palm Beach. She inquired if they could meet briefly for tea. With work-release privileges allowing him to leave jail up to 12 hours daily, Epstein replied with a simple “yes.” (Whether they met remains uncertain.)
As markets grappled with the aftermath of the 2008 financial crash, Ferguson and Epstein’s collaboration became a focal point of the Epstein library’s revelations. Their correspondence, spanning months, illustrates how her public persona and private sentiments toward the convicted sex offender contrasted sharply.
More than six companies associated with Ferguson have since shut down, according to CNN’s prior reporting. Yet, the appearance of her name in the files does not equate to guilt. The late financier’s network continues to shed light on figures like Ferguson, whose support for Epstein’s initiatives reveals a complex relationship with both admiration and unspoken regrets.
